Keeping Your Smile Healthy for Life

Checkups and cleanings are one of the most important foundations for long-term oral health. Not only do they help us confirm that your at-home care is working as needed, but they allow us to remove harmful plaque and tartar that could have easily been missed. During your appointment, we’ll recommend treatments as we see fit to improve your oral health at home and in the dental office. For most people, visiting once every six months is sufficient.

While those with high risk factors are more likely to develop oral cancer, it can also develop in those who have no risk factors at all. That’s why Litchfield Smiles always performs an oral cancer screening during your routine exam. We’ll pay close attention to the tissue throughout your mouth and stay on the lookout for red or white patches, long-term oral sores, and other common symptoms. Should we believe that oral cancer is present, we’ll partner you with a physician so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

There are some instances where patients will need additional help fighting against tooth decay in between their routine appointments. For example, the molars and premolars are especially vulnerable to tooth decay due to the naturally deep pits and cracks inside them. To lower the risk of decay, we can apply a small amount of composite resin to these areas, then harden it using our special curing device. Whether you have a history of tooth decay or your child is struggling with cavities, dental sealants can provide effective protection for up to 10 years before needing to be redone.

Professional fluoride treatments are designed to protect and strengthen teeth in between routine cleanings. While they are typically used for patients 18 years old and younger, they are also ideal for those with a history of tooth decay. You’ll find fluoride in most oral care products and in your community’s public drinking water, however, our dental office’s fluoride is significantly stronger, which is why it offers protection for several months following your appointment. In a matter of minutes, we can painlessly apply the fluoride after your cleaning, giving you the confidence to smile and keep dental disease at bay.

Do you find yourself waking up every morning with a headache but aren’t sure why? Do your teeth feel sensitive throughout the day? If so, it could be due to a teeth grinding and clenching habit that has gone undiagnosed. This condition, also known as bruxism, is actually quite common. Thankfully, there are ways to control these symptoms as well as avoid dental erosion along the way. With a customized nightguard from our dental office that’s worn while you sleep, you can protect your long-term oral health!

There are many oral care products to choose from these days, which only makes it more difficult to find the right one for you. Litchfield Smiles is happy to provide insight on which products we believe offer the most consistent protection against cavities, gum disease, and symptoms that may be unique to your smile. Our dental office often recommends Colgate to fight cavity-causing bacteria as well as Sensodyne for sensitive teeth and Prevident as a prescription-strength toothpaste.