Preventive Dentistry in Anderson, SC
At Hopewell Family Dentistry, our first goal is to help you achieve your best oral health possible.
Part of that goal includes a solid foundation in preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry’s aim is to stop common dental conditions before they start so you can enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Our preventive dentistry treatment plans are designed specifically to meet the needs of each patient. Those needs may change over time, and we will be here to make sure you always get the best preventive dentistry possible.
Comprehensive Oral Evaluations
A dental exam gives Dr. Patrick Carter the opportunity to determine your overall oral health and identify any conditions that he may be concerned about. Some of the things he looks for during your dental exam include:
- Your gum health
- The health of each tooth
- Any signs of damage or decay
- Oral cancer and other conditions affecting your soft tissues
- Excessive wear
- Changes or problems with you bite
- The health of your jaw joints
If Dr. Carter notices something has changed since your last appointment, he will let you know right away and recommend treatment options to protect your teeth.
Professional Dental Cleanings in Anderson, SC
Even if you brush and floss your teeth religiously, you cannot possibly reach areas between your teeth or just below your gumline. Of course, those are the areas where bacteria like to collect.
Our hygienist is gentle, but thorough, and will effectively remove the tartar that collects between dental appointments. Your dental cleaning is based on your needs and will help you stay healthy.
Your gum health tends to change throughout your life. Diabetes, pregnancy, and certain medications can all affect the health of your gums. Our customized dental cleanings and hygiene recare schedule will help keep you on track!
Additional Preventive Services
We offer additional services to help you stay healthy and keep your smile feeling great, including:
Fluoride treatments – While most patients think of kids when they think of fluoride treatments, adults can benefit from them, too! Anyone who has deep grooves in their teeth may be more prone to decay. Additionally, some of our more senior patients who suffer from arthritis can lose dexterity, making home care difficult. Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents decay.
Dental sealants – Sealants provide a barrier between your teeth and the bacteria that put them at risk. We simply paint the non-invasive sealant onto your tooth and harden it with a curing light. Sealants are cost-effective and can last for several years.
Athletic mouthguards – When you think of prevention, you may not think of athletic mouthguards, but sports can lead to damaged teeth. We believe you should be active and have fun! Just protect your teeth with an athletic mouthguard to prevent broken teeth from collisions with other players or stray baseballs.
Contact Us for Your Next Dental Exam!
Our Anderson, SC dental team can’t wait to welcome you and your family to join our dental family. Give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A cavity is created by a process termed “caries,” which is the destruction of hard tooth structure. During the caries process, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths are fed by what we eat, and release acid that breaks down the tooth. To prevent the caries process, there are many areas of our daily routine that can be modified. Many times, only simple changes in the areas listed below may be enough to stop the caries process and prevent cavities.
How Your Diet Can Affect Your Oral Health
Simple carbohydrates are the primary food source for the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. The bacteria then use these carbohydrates to produce acid, which is what damages our teeth. The bacteria can continue to feed for approximately 30 minutes after consuming any food or drink items containing carbohydrates. Recommendations for diet modifications are listed below:
Problems: Soda, sweet tea, processed foods high in carbohydrates (such as bread, crackers, and chips), hard and soft candies
Solutions: Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, yogurt, cheese, water, and calorie-free drinks
Problem: Bacteria using food to produce acid for 30 minutes after consumption
Solutions: Minimize snacks between meals, eating xylitol gum immediately after meal to neutralize acid
Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene
The American Dental Association recommends brushing for 2 minutes twice daily and flossing at least once daily. When you are finished brushing your teeth, they should feel slick and smooth to the tongue like they feel after a professional cleaning. If there is an area on the surface of any teeth that still feels “furry” then plaque is still present and should be brushed off. The tongue should also be cleaned every time the teeth are brushed.
Problem: Inadequate cleaning of teeth
Solutions: Electric toothbrush*, glide-type floss**, more frequent professional cleanings***
*Teeth are typically much cleaner after brushing for the same amount of time with an electric toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush.
**Many people have complaints of flossing being uncomfortable, difficult, or even painful. Newer glide types of floss make flossing a much better experience than traditional floss that is prone to shredding.
***Professional cleanings are recommended at least every 6 months for the average person
Environment of Mouth
Occasionally caries are still a problem even with proper hygiene and diet. This can be caused by environmental factors including “bad” bacteria in the mouth, low flow of saliva, or low pH (high acidity) of saliva.
Problem: “Bad” bacteria
Solutions: Bacteria modification through probiotics, such as OralBiotic Blis or Evoraplus, and/or mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist
Problem: Low salivary flow caused by older age or medication
Solution: Xylitol (sugar-free) gum or hard candy to promote saliva flow
Problem: Low salivary pH (high acidity)
Solution: Fluoride toothpaste or gel trays prescribed by your dentist to promote remineralization.
A comprehensive dental exam at our Anderson, SC dental office is a thorough oral health evaluation that includes checking all areas of the oral cavity, such as all extraoral structures, intraoral structures, and soft tissues. We recommend receiving a comprehensive dental exam every three years.
Personalized Dental Care in Anderson
During this personalized dental exam, we do the following:
- Periodontal exam (gums)
- Dental exam (teeth)
- Occlusal exam (bite analysis)
- Radiographic exam (x-rays and scans)
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ exam (jaw joints)
- Aesthetic exam (appearance of the teeth and gums)
Dr. Patrick Carter and our Hopewell Family Dentistry team perform comprehensive dental exams to ensure we know everything about your oral health and wellness. This type of exam allows us to make the appropriate recommendations for treatment plans, such as:
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Replacing worn or damaged dental restorations
- New oral appliances or dentures
- Aesthetic changes to the teeth or gums
- Medical diagnosis
Call to Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning
Whether you receive routine exams or it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, Hopewell Family Dentistry welcomes you to our Anderson, SC dental office.
We offer comprehensive and compassionate dental care, and we are always pleased to welcome new and familiar faces to our practice. Please contact us today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning with Dr. Carter.
We look forward to seeing you smile!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Patrick Carter D.M.D.
Featured Blog Posts - Preventive Dentistry
Comprehensive Guide to Dental Exams and Cleanings
Dental exams and teeth cleanings are crucial to your long-term oral health, so your dentist emphasizes preventive dentistry in Anderson, SC.
The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend an appointment every six months for patients with healthy smiles. If you have a dental condition, this schedule is customized to address your situation.
Let’s explore dental exams in teeth cleanings in our comprehensive guide.
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings: A Comprehensive Guide
Dental Exam
During your dental exam, your dentist is looking for oral health changes since your last visit and anything ...
Preventive Dentistry Technology
Intraoral Camera
Have you ever wondered what your dentist sees when looking inside your mouth during an exam? How are cracks or decay identified?
With our small, digital intraoral camera, we can show you exactly what Dr. Carter sees so that you have a greater understanding of your oral health conditions.
Intraoral photographs can be stored in your digital chart, and Dr. Carter can use these to track changes in your oral health over time. We can also email them instantly to your insurance company when additional information is needed for a claim.