Preventative Dentistry

New research shows that everyone can benefit from fluoride. Experts used to think that fluoride worked mainly by strengthening teeth while they were still developing. This meant that children were the focus of fluoridation efforts. Studies now show that topical fluoride — the kind in toothpastes, mouth rinses and fluoride treatments — helps fight decay in people of all ages.

How do I know if I need special fluoride treatment?
If your drinking water is fluoridated, then brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste is considered sufficient for most adults with healthy teeth. 43 of the 50 largest U.S. cities add fluoride to their public water supplies to help reduce tooth decay. You can find out if your water is fluoridated by calling your local water district, or by having your water analyzed if it comes from a private well.

People who drink mostly bottled water and those with the following conditions should talk to their dentist about special fluoride treatments:

• If you are taking medications that cause dry mouth or have a disease that causes dry mouth. Without saliva to neutralize the acids in your mouth and wash away food particles, you’re more susceptible to tooth decay.
• If your gums have receded or pulled away from the teeth. This gives bacteria more room to roam and hastens tooth decay.
• If you wear braces. Braces and other orthodontic appliances trap a lot of bacteria that can lead to cavities.
• If you’ve had radiation therapy to the neck or head. Radiation damages the salivary glands, causing dry mouth.

Dental X-rays are a necessary diagnostic tool, to determine the extent of disease process that may be present in your mouth. Here at Dr. Randol’s office we take digital radiographs. This is very exciting because you are exposed to a very LOW level of radiation, in some cases, up to 80% less! Digital diagnostic radiographs are so important for monitoring the following:

• Decay between the teeth that may not be seen or felt by a visual/tactical examination

• Cysts or abscesses

• Problems that may be occurring inside a tooth or below the gum line

• Bone Loss

• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors

• Poor tooth and root positions

• Developmental abnormalities such as too few teeth, malpostioned teeth or too many teeth.

During your first visit to our office we will take a full mouth series of films, about 18 total. This will allow our doctors and your dental team to access the total condition of your mouth. This series is only repeated about every 5 years.

Bitewing X-rays are used during checkups to look for tooth decay. This typically happens yearly depending on your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Panoramic X-rays are taken every five years, as needed. Your first panoramic x-ray may be taken to determine if you have third molars (wisdom teeth), fractures, and any abnormalities.

Thanks to fluoride, dental sealants, and better dental habits, fewer school-age children than ever before are being diagnosed with cavities. Our doctors provide quality, effective dental sealants for your children’s teeth that will protect them from the normal causes of cavities.

Mouth guards are often used to protect teeth from injury due to sports. The guard usually covers the upper teeth; however, if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on the lower jaw, our doctors may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth, as well. Night guards are worn to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding while you sleep. They can also help people who suffer from TMJ or clicking in the jaw area and alleviate tension headaches or neck pain. Both mouth guards and night guards are custom-made to your mouth to provide a comfortable fit.