Preventative Dentistry at The Hills Family Dentistry

Taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining its health and preventing various oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease. A good oral hygiene routine is crucial. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Besides home care, professional dental care is also necessary. At The Hills Family Dentistry, Dr. Martin and Dr. Thomas provide the care you need to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Cleanings, Exams, & Digital X-Rays

Even with regular brushing and flossing, the ADA recommends professional cleanings and exams every six months. Cleanings remove buildup, including stubborn tartar, from your teeth's surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning in all areas. This helps keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues from developing.

Dental exams detect any oral health issues early. Many oral health problems show no symptoms initially, leading you to believe everything is fine. By the time symptoms appear, the issue may require more invasive treatment. Regular exams allow early detection and timely treatment, often resulting in less invasive and more affordable solutions. Digital dental x-rays, also known as radiographs, are recommended by the ADA to be taken once a year for cavity checks. These types of xrays are known as bitewings, which look for cavities between the teeth, and periapical radiographs, which look at the roots of teeth. Full mouth sets of xrays are recommended by the ADA to be taken once every 5 years, and in our office, we use a CBCT machine to capture 3d xrays of your jaws and teeth!

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can affect any part of your mouth. Early detection is critical for successful treatment. An oral cancer screening is a simple and painless exam of your head and neck to check for unusual signs like bumps or changes in your mouth.

Dental Sealants

While brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings are vital for removing plaque and bacteria, some areas are particularly hard to maintain. The chewing surfaces of molars have deep grooves that can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. Sealants are a quick, simple treatment that covers these grooves, protecting your teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth, helping them resist acid attacks that can cause tooth decay and cavities. We encourage parents to ensure their children have access to fluoride for a healthy balance.

Periodontal Health

Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. It's caused by tartar buildup, leading to gum infection, red and swollen gums, bad breath, and damage to supporting tissues. Untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss. At The Hills Family Dentistry, we check for signs of gum disease during routine visits and treat it with scaling, root planing, and pocket reduction procedures to restore gum health.

Mouthguard

If you suffer from bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth at night), we can help. Bruxism can damage teeth, causing enamel wear, fractures, jaw pain, and headaches. We can create a custom-fitted mouthguard (nightguard) to protect your jaw and teeth.

Sportsguard

According to the American Dental Association, 13% to 39% of dental traumas occur during physical activities. For sports participants, we recommend custom-fit sportsguards to protect teeth from damage and prevent expensive repairs. Sportsguards are made of strong, flexible plastic that cushions blows to the mouth, protecting teeth and gums.

Dental Sleep Medicine

Sleep apnea affects your sleep quality by causing you to stop breathing at night, which wakes you up multiple times, preventing restful sleep. It can also impact your mental, emotional, and overall health. We treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, using a custom-made appliance worn at night to keep your jaw aligned and airway clear, ensuring restful sleep.

TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), caused by bruxism, trauma, or dislocation. These issues irritate and inflame the joints, causing pain and difficulty moving your mouth. Treatments vary depending on the cause and severity, including relaxation, over-the-counter medications, nightguards, Botox, and orthodontics.

Dentistry For Kids

At The Hills Family Dentistry, we provide a kid-friendly environment where children feel safe and comfortable during dental visits. The ADA recommends a child's first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth erupts. Early and routine visits help monitor dental health and prevent problems. We aim to eliminate dental fear in children and teach them proper oral care for a lifetime of good health. Useful procedures for kids include:

• Oral Hygiene Instruction – teaching kids how to keep their teeth clean.
• Fluoride Varnish – high fluoride concentration to remineralize enamel and repair small cavities.
• Dental Sealants – preventing cavities in the deep grooves of permanent teeth.
• Dental Prophylaxis – routine professional cleanings for children.

For more information about our family dentistry services or to schedule an appointment, contact The Hills Family Dentistry today at (760) 798-7166.