Medina family dentist, Dr. Allan J Milewski, and his staff stress preventive dentistry to preserve strong smiles and overall health. They ask patients to keep routine appointments, especially now that school is out.
What is preventive dentistry?
The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” is true, particularly when it comes to oral and systemic health and that of your children. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends patients regardless of age brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste and floss in between teeth once a day. This routine removes harmful plaque, freshens breath and wards off decay and gum disease.
Regular exams and cleanings with Dr. Allan J. Milewski reinforce at-home habits.
He tells all his patients–kids through senior adults– come to the office twice a year. These visits reduce plaque and tartar and also diagnose any developing problems while easier (and less expensive) to treat.
Here’s what a routine appointment for you or your child looks like The staff updates medical history and discusses any concerns. The hygienist does a thorough cleaning to remove plaque in between teeth and below the gums.
Plaque removal reduces dental decay and gum disease, or periodontitis–a leading cause of tooth loss among American adults. Even kids get gum disease. Researchers link periodontitis to systemic health problems such as:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- hypertension
- Alzheimer’s disease
- dementia
- arthritis
- pregnancy complications
- respiratory infections
- stroke
The ADA calls the human mouth the “gateway” to the rest of the body. Parents should emphasize this with kids as they teach good hygiene and nutrition habits in the home.
What happens during a routine exam?
The Medina family dentist inspects the mouth carefully, checking the condition of gums, teeth and existing restorations. He looks at bite, tooth alignment and jaw joint function–important for adults but especially for kids as their teeth erupt and jaw grows. Summer is a great time for your child’s orthodontic evaluation, recommended for all youngsters ages 7 and up.
The doctor uses digital x-rays to visualize roots and bone structure and to inspect for hidden cavities. He may advise in-office fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect enamel from decay, especially in young molars.
Additionally, the Medina children’s dentist performs periodontal probing. This painless procedure measures gum pockets, or spaces between tooth surfaces and gums. Pockets greater than 0.3mm are diagnostic for gum disease and need periodontal therapy to prevent gum and bone recession and eventual tooth loss.
Lastly, oral cancer screening checks soft tissues for signs of this prevalent disease. Smokers and men over 50 are at increased risk of oral cancer, states the American Cancer Society. However, every dental patient benefits from this simple exam.
Take advantage of summer break
Contact Allan J. Milewski DDS to set-up your summer exam and cleaning. The team creates relaxed atmosphere and wants your dental and systemic health to thrive all year ‘round.