Dental Sealants for Extra Protection

Prevention is the best protection, right? When it comes to oral health, nothing could be truer! That is why here at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA we offer dental sealants. Sealants are extra protection for molars meant especially for kids in those cavity-prone years!

During the ages of six and fourteen, kids go through what is called the cavity-prone years. Molars have pits and grooves in them which can trap debris and create bacteria. These pits and grooves can be hard to clean out with a toothbrush, which is why cavities can become common in that location.

Dental sealants are plastic coatings that seal out bacteria and debris from the pits in the molars. They are great for children but can also be effective protection for adults who have never had a cavity or filling in their molars. Once applied, a sealant is able to last up to ten years or more!

To apply a sealant, you dentist will first clean the teeth that will be sealed. Then teeth with then be dried and an acid solution is painted onto them to roughen up the surface of the teeth. This creates a strong bond for the sealants. The teeth are rinsed and dried afterwards. The tooth-colored plastic solution is then painted onto the teeth and allowed to dry. The patient can use the teeth normally soon afterward.

If you are looking to take an extra step in protecting your teeth or your children’s teeth, dental sealants are a great choice! To schedule an appointment at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call our office at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Importance of Periodontal Health

It is our goal here at Lehigh Valley Smiles to ensure that you have the healthiest smile possible. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that if left untreated may cause damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss. The dynamics of the disease are such that the individual can experience episodes of rapid periodontal disease activity in a relatively short period of time.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well-supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis, advanced gum disease, and other, more serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. That’s why by simply brushing, flossing and maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine, you can reap the benefits of avoiding pain and discomfort, saving money on procedures, staying healthy and having a nice smile.

If you notice blood in the sink when you brush, give us a call before it gets worse. To learn more about periodontal services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

 

A Beautiful Smile is a Clean Smile

Regular checkups and dental cleanings are a part of any good oral hygiene routine, and at Lehigh Valley Smiles we provide dental care services of the highest quality to ensure that our patients’ smiles stay healthy year after year.

Dental cleanings work to remove both plaque and tartar from the teeth. A soft and sticky film of bacteria, plaque can build up on your teeth despite regular brushing and flossing. Because teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, which contains calcium and other substances to strengthen and protect teeth, tartar or calcium deposits can also build up over time. Tartar can only be removed with the help of a dentist. If it is not removed and is allowed to accumulate, bacteria will be provided a perfect environment and thrive on the gums and teeth, which can cause cavities, infection and gum disease.

While good for maintaining oral health between dentist visits, at-home brushing and cleaning are not enough to make sure teeth stay clean; regular dental cleanings are required. We will clean and polish your teeth, leaving the surface clean and smooth. The smoother the teeth, the more difficult it is for bacteria to stick to them and the more effective at-home brushing will be.

We recommend checkups and dental cleanings every six months for optimum oral health. To schedule an appointment in Easton, PA, call (610) 252-7414. For more information, visit www.LehighValleySmiles.net.