
The old adage stands true — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is why we always encourage our patients to take measures to protect their oral health against the dangers of decay, gum disease, and trauma. We assist them by offering a range of preventive services, some of which are listed below. If you would like help to keep your teeth and gums in good shape, get in touch with us today for preventive dentistry in Lebanon, NH.
The standard recommendation is that adults and children visit their dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. At these appointments, we rid the mouth of plaque and tartar, look for any signs of developing oral health issues, and offer personalized tips to help you take the best possible care of your mouth at home. We may also take X-Rays on occasion to check for potential reasons for concern beneath the gumline.
Many people are under the impression that oral cancer only afflicts individuals who smoke or chew tobacco. That is not true. In fact, anyone can be at-risk for this disease. That is why we include an oral cancer screening as part of a routine preventive appointment. During this quick tactile and visual exam, we look for any strange growths or other possible signs of concern. If we find anything that could indicate oral cancer, we help the patient arrange for further testing.
Do you like to play sports? Even if your activity of choice is considered non-contact, it would still be wise to protect your smile. Custom-made mouthguards from a dentist provide a much higher level of protection for your teeth and gums than the mouthguards you can buy off the shelf. They are also more comfortable and can significantly reduce your risk of concussion. We offer athletic sportsguards for young, school-age athletes as well as for adults.
Bruxism, involuntary teeth grinding and clenching, can lead to jaw aches, broken teeth, and worn enamel. It often occurs in response to stress, and it usually happens at night while an individual is sleeping. If you suffer from bruxism, we can design a custom nightguard to put a barrier between your teeth while you sleep. This will lower the risk of dental damage and reduce stress on your overworked jaw and facial muscles.
We welcome patients of virtually all ages, and we have a special place in our heart for young ones. We will happily help your little one learn how to care for their teeth, and we will give you tips on how to instill good oral hygiene habits in them. At their regular checkups, we will check the development of their teeth and recommend services, such as sealants, to reduce their risk of suffering from cavities.
Tongue tie is a condition wherein the piece of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, called the lingual frenulum or frenum, is so thick or short that it restricts the tongue’s movement. Without treatment, this condition can result in difficulty breastfeeding in infancy, as well as speech issues later in life. We can address tongue tie through a minimally invasive procedure known as a frenectomy, wherein we gently cut the frenum to broaden the tongue’s range of motion.