At Huntsville Family Dental, we want to do everything possible to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. Regular dental hygiene appointments, checkups, and preventative programs are the best ways to maintain oral health.
In addition, Dr. Keyshla Escobar offers general dentistry services in our Huntsville, TX, office. She ensures that patients maintain good oral health.
General Dentistry Services in Huntsville, TX
Preventative dental care is a part of general dentistry and helps keep the teeth and gums healthy. We combine simple preventive measures to keep the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions at bay. Regular visits will include:
- Custom Mouthguard: Custom mouthguards offer a precise fit for individuals participating in amateur or professional sports. They protect against injuries like tooth fractures and jaw damage.
- Emergency Dentistry: Dental emergencies usually include severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. It’s anything that requires immediate attention. In these instances, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
- Family Dentistry: Family dentistry focuses on dental care for the entire family through preventive care. It is beneficial for patients of all ages. Our office provides routine exams, X-rays, and basic cleanings and fillings for adults and children.
- Sedation Dentistry: Dental sedation refers to dentists using sedative medications to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. We use sedation for patients who experience anxiety, fear, or discomfort with dental work. Sedation dentistry also allows dentists to complete necessary dental procedures more efficiently.
- Tooth Extraction: Tooth extraction involves removing a tooth below or above the surface. We recommend extractions when a tooth is beyond repair due to damage, disease, or overcrowding. Patients often require tooth extractions for severe tooth decay and impacted wisdom teeth. Some patients may also want an extraction to create space for orthodontic treatment.
- Exams: Your dentist performs a comprehensive dental exam at your first dental visit, which boosts overall health.
- X-rays: Dental radiographs are essential preventative diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. We use X-rays to ensure patients’ good oral health and help plan treatment.
- Cleanings: Home care and daily routines are essential to achieving a healthy smile. Our hygienists use specialized dental tools at routine appointments to remove bacterial buildup from the mouth.
- Oral Cancer Screening: An oral cancer screening is a simple procedure to detect early signs of mouth/oral cancer. Talk to us during cleaning to get your screening.
Diet and Oral Health
Your diet plays a big part in the health of your mouth. Your smile needs certain vitamins and minerals to thrive, and some things you consume can be very detrimental.
Beneficial Foods and Drinks
Calcium and Vitamin D are two essential nutrients for your smile. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel, protecting your smile from bacteria, and Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better.
Fortified dairy products give you a good dose of both of these minerals. Leafy greens, nuts, and fish also provide calcium, while fatty fish and egg yolks contain Vitamin D.
Another important mineral for tooth development and strength is phosphorus. It works with calcium to ensure your teeth remain strong and resistant to decay and bacteria. Milk, meat, and fish are all good sources of phosphorus.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants are crucial for gum health. Since it aids the body in collagen production, it strengthens the gums and soft tissues around the teeth that keep it in place. It lessens inflammation, reducing your chance of bleeding gums and gum disease. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and peppers all have solid levels of Vitamin C.
Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for your oral health. It maintains and repairs soft tissue and helps with saliva production.
Saliva washes food debris and bacteria away from your smile. This is so that bacteria don’t build up and neutralize the acids in your mouth caused by bacteria. Spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all good sources.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes when you eat them. The fibers get in between the teeth, scraping away food debris. Because they require a lot of chewing to break down, they also help your mouth produce more saliva.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
Sugar and acid are the two big things that cause harm to your smile. Harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar as their main food source. They emit an acidic byproduct that wears through the tooth enamel and causes cavities and tooth decay.
The more sugary foods you eat, the more those bacteria will feed on them. Eating them multiple times throughout the day constantly attacks your teeth, and they get no break.
Eating sugary foods with acidic ones is the most harmful thing you can do to your teeth. Acidic foods increase the rate at which the enamel erodes. We usually recommend brushing to eliminate sugar and bacteria.
However, wait 30 minutes after consuming something acidic to brush your teeth. Brushing too soon after this can do more harm to your teeth than good.
Why Preventative Care Is Essential
General dentistry focuses on maintaining the health and function of your smile. Preventative care is the main way we do this. If you brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly, you’re less likely to incur severe dental problems in the future. However, you must be diligent about your oral health at home and visiting the dentist.
You should brush your teeth at home at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Preferably, you should do both after every meal. This reduces the debris left behind by your meals and helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up.
Plaque and tartar lead to tooth decay and gum disease. The longer the plaque stays on teeth, the harder it is to remove. Tartar is a harder substance that shields the bacteria feeding on teeth.
But even if you’re taking great care of your teeth at home, you can still be at high risk for these conditions. Certain areas of the mouth are more difficult to reach with the tools you have available at home.
We have specialized dental tools designed to reach these hard-to-reach areas. Without regular cleaning with these tools, you’re still prone to plaque and tartar buildup in those areas. You may not even notice it.
We also perform a comprehensive oral examination every time you visit our office. The early warning signs of certain oral health problems aren’t painful and may be hard to notice alone. This includes serious issues like oral cancer.
We have extensive training in these signs and know what to look for. Our office also utilizes advanced diagnostic equipment. Finding issues at the early stages ensures that treatment remains less invasive and more affordable.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry and preventative care are the foundation of your oral health. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How often should I visit a general dentist?
Most people should visit a general dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific dental concerns or a history of issues. Regular visits help catch problems early and maintain good oral health.
How can I improve my oral hygiene at home?
To improve your oral hygiene at home, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth further. Regular visits to your general dentist for cleanings and check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health.
What is the importance of fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Many dental products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, contain fluoride to help keep teeth healthy. Additionally, your dentist may provide professional fluoride treatments during check-ups. They provide extra protection, especially for children and those at higher risk for decay.
How can I prevent cavities?
To prevent cavities, maintain a regular oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will help catch potential issues early and keep your teeth healthy.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe because they use a low level of radiation. Dentists take necessary precautions to minimize exposure, such as using lead aprons and collars. Regular X-rays are essential for diagnosing undiscovered dental issues during a standard examination.
What should I do if I have sensitive teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, which can help reduce discomfort. Avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can trigger sensitivity. If the problem persists, consult your general dentist to identify the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact our dental office for preventative and routine treatment today at (936) 220-3158. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Escobar online. We are proud to serve the communities in and surrounding Huntsville.