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30 N. Greeley Avenue Chappaqua, NY 10514

Preventive Dentistry In Chappaqua, Westchester NY

Dr. Brisman, a Chappaqua Dentist, talking with a patient about the dental procedures we offer

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Many people wait until they encounter a problem before scheduling an appointment with their dentist. While it’s important to see your dentist if you suspect something is wrong, you can reduce the risk of oral health problems in the first place through preventative dentistry.

Put simply, preventative dentistry involves maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, having healthy eating habits and attending dental appointments regularly. The overall goal is to stay healthy and avoid issues like cavities, inflammation and gum disease. At Chappaqua Dentistry, we offer the following preventative dentistry services to help keep your teeth and smile in prime condition.

Dental Sealants

If your child is between the ages of 6 and 11, it might be time for dental sealants. Made of resin or a glass ionomer, dental sealants are clear, plastic coatings that are painted directly onto the teeth to discourage foot particles from settling there. Statistics show that dental sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay in children — according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children without sealants are three times more likely to get cavities.

When administering the sealant, the Chappaqua Dentistry team will start by making microscopic notches on the teeth. These notches help the sealant stay in place, where it can then remain for up to nine years. While sealants are usually given to children, adults that are predisposed to cavities can benefit from them as well.

Cleanings

Brushing and flossing properly every day can go a long way in deterring cavities and keeping your teeth healthy. However, it’s important to supplement these oral care habits with regular dental cleanings. Sometimes, food can get lodged deep in between our teeth, making it difficult to remove. Over time, bacteria will begin to eat away at this food, leading to tooth decay. At Chappaqua Dentistry, we offer the following cleaning services:

  • Flossing: Our team can get to the hard-to-reach portions of your mouth, eliminating any bacteria that may be lingering there.
  • Tartar and plaque removal: We can get rid of stubborn tartar that won’t react to your toothbrush.
  • Teeth polishing: In addition to polishing your teeth, our team can strengthen your enamel and treat oral diseases like halitosis and gingivitis.

We also offer helpful instructions on how to properly care for your teeth at home. After our cleaning, you’ll enjoy pearly whites and a brighter smile.

Fluoride Treatment

When starchy and sugary foods mix with the bacteria in our mouth, they can create dental plaque and encourage cavities. One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is through fluoride, a natural mineral found in water and certain foods. When applied to your teeth, fluoride offers the following benefits:

  • Strengthening enamel
  • Resisting bacteria
  • Slowing down the tooth decay process

In addition to brushing your teeth with a fluoride-fortified toothpaste, the American Dental Association recommends getting a fluoride treatment every three to 12 months. During this procedure, the Chappaqua Dentistry team use a brush or swab to apply fluoride to your teeth. You might be asked not to eat or drink for about thirty minutes afterwards to give the fluoride a chance to absorb. Ultimately, fluoride treatments can help reduce your risk of cavities by over 40%.

Oral Exams

Technology has revolutionized the way we provide dental care. By using devices like x-rays, dentists can identify genetic or structural problems with your teeth and use this information to predict and prevent problems like oral cancer. Generally, you should have an oral exam performed about every six months. At Chappaqua Dentistry, our oral exams can check for the following:

  • Oral cancer
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Bone loss
  • Problems with the jawline

Catching health issues early is key to effective treatment. If we suspect that you’re at-risk for a serious problem like oral cancer or tooth decay, we can create a plan before it worsens. We also provide smile analyses to help you get the perfect, bright smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Custom Mouthguards

Did you know that nearly 40% of dental injuries are caused by sports? Athletic events that involve a large amount of contact, such as basketball, football and hockey, can be risky for your teeth. Common sports-related injuries include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Fractures
  • Tooth loss

To help prevent damage to your mouth and teeth, it’s advisable to wear a mouthguard during sporting events. Made of soft plastic, mouthguards essentially lock your jaw in place, which stabilizes muscles, covers the gums and decreases the chances of sustaining serious injuries.

Many people purchase athletic mouthguards over-the-counter (OTC). However, OTC mouthguards tend to be low-quality and are thus not recommended for long-term use. For best results, you’ll need a custom mouthguard. At Chappaqua Dentistry, we take impressions of your teeth and bite to create a personalized, comfortable mouthguard that offers optimal protection.

Bruxism Treatment

If you grind your teeth during the day, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often a natural coping mechanism for negative emotions like stress and anger. Some of us even grind our teeth unconsciously as we sleep. However, if left unaddressed, teeth grinding can lead to issues like jaw pain, sensitivity and tooth damage. You can identify bruxism through the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Cuts or sores
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Damage or decay

At Chappaqua Dentistry, we evaluate every unique case of bruxism before recommending a personalized treatment. In some situations, we may suggest making lifestyle changes or taking muscle relaxants — in more severe cases, we might make you a custom mouthguard. No matter which treatment we recommend, the end goal is to eliminate bruxism and preserve the quality of your teeth and jaw.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you in need of preventative dentistry services? If so, the Chappaqua Dentistry team is here to help. Whether you need a standard cleaning or a more complex procedure, you can trust to provide high-quality, personalized treatments designed to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Protect your oral hygiene by requesting an appointment today!