Preventative Dental Care in Fort Smith, AR

In 18th century America, Ben Franklin coined the famous adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This timeless wisdom applies almost everywhere in life, but with your dental care, it couldn’t be more on target. In fact, nearly all problems with your teeth and gums are progressive, meaning they start small and, in early phases, are treatable without much effort.

But insufficient oral health care is like not clipping the lawn for weeks – your problems grow. Your beautiful lawn becomes a wild, weed-choked hazard, hiding nasty little surprises like snakes and spiders. For your teeth, the nasty surprises are tooth decay and gum disease, both of which may even lead to tooth loss.

At Northside Dental, our approach to preventative dentistry stops progressive dental conditions in their tracks. This process starts with an exam using modern dental tools for diagnosis. Then, we protect your teeth through cleanings, and at-home care guidance, including fluoride varnish and dental sealants. We also treat your gums so you can avoid periodontal disease.

The Essence of Prevention Is Routine Visits, Dental Cleanings, and Detection

The American Dental Association recommends that every American, young and old, have their teeth professionally cleaned and checked at least twice a year. This is the foundation upon which we help build your ongoing well-being for two reasons:

1. Cleanings eliminate whatever build-up resists your at-home care routine
2. Check-ups at regular intervals let us build a complete picture of your oral health and detect challenges even years before they erupt.

We have the information needed to personalize a treatment plan for your unique needs when you combine these two.

Dental Sealants and Fluoride Varnish for Extra Tooth Protection

Dr. Aaron Simpson will consider several factors before recommending any additional treatments, but some are safe and non-invasive, so their risk is minimal. This is why we frequently use fluoride and dental sealants for young children and adolescents. But the benefits apply to adults as well.

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature and added to many water supplies, dental products, and bottled drinks. The bacteria in plaque threaten your teeth by excreting acid that demineralizes or eats away your tooth surfaces. Fluoride remineralizes areas that have been damaged and helps restore enamel.

Dental sealants have a protective quality similar to fluoride varnishes. We apply this sealant as a clear coating to freshly cleaned teeth. We target the trouble spots, such as hard-to-reach areas for brushing. This material also works its way into the deep grooves of your molars. Though dental sealants don’t last forever, they can be reapplied if you and Dr. Simpson agree that the results are worth it.

Gum Disease Treated Early Is Reversible

Your gums are as important  – they provide secure containment for precious tools that otherwise could easily be lost. In the early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. Because the cause is plaque-forming bacteria, gingivitis is easy to treat. But as gum infections advance, plaque becomes tartar which attacks your gums more aggressively. Eventually, you could develop periodontal disease, which leads to root exposure and loosening of teeth.

Dr. Simpson will assess your gums’ condition before recommending a course of action. Gingivitis is reversible with consistent cleanings and persistent flossing. For more advanced cases, we can provide deep cleaning procedures that remove the thick tartar and smooth out your gums to eliminate pockets where bacteria love to hide.

We also work with you to improve your brushing and flossing techniques, providing suggestions and strategies to help you remember.

Take Advantage of Your Best Fort Smith, AR Preventive Dentist

Our goal is for you to enjoy all the benefits of strong, healthy teeth and gums through preventive dentistry. We always welcome new patients in Fort Smith and the surrounding areas. Let the team at Northside Dental show you how great it is to pay for an ounce and get a pound in return.