How can I improve my dental health?

In addition to participating in a regular oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and rinsing between meals, you’ll also want to schedule biannual appointments with our office for professional cleanings and checkups. Here are a few detailed tips on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene regimen: Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line Clean your tongue Protect your teeth with mouthguards if you grind or play sports Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride Keep your gums strong with Vitamin D and calcium Avoid foods high in sugar or starch Remember the importance of preventative care. Some people wait to visit the dentist until something goes wrong, but it’s a much better plan to visit the dentist before that happens. With regular professional cleanings and checkups, we can help prevent tooth decay and catch any issues before they become problematic.

Where do cavities usually occur?

Your back teeth (called premolars and molars) are the most susceptible to getting cavities. This is because they have grooves and depressions otherwise known as pits and fissures in them, which help you grind down your food during eating. The problem is that they can also be the perfect place for bacteria to accumulate and cause damage. Daily brushing and rinsing after meals can prevent food and sugar from staying in those fissures too long.

General Dentistry in Auburn, IN

A Healthy Smile Starts with General Dentistry in Auburn, IN

Oral health is about more than just brushing your teeth, it’s about having a trusted dental team that supports you through every stage of life. At Smiles for Life, our dentist in Auburn, IN, Dr. Nate Heffelfinger provides personalized general dentistry services designed to prevent problems, detect issues early, and keep your teeth and gums in excellent shape.

Whether you’re coming in for a routine exam or need a filling or chipped tooth repair, our friendly team proudly serves families throughout Auburn, Garrett, Butler, Waterloo, and nearby Indiana communities. With a focus on gentle, honest care, we help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident at every visit. Schedule your next appointment at our Auburn dental office by calling 260-925-4290.

See Why Our Patients Trust Dr. Heffelfinger

We believe in honest communication, quality work, and building long-term relationships with our patients. And it shows in the smiles we see every day.

Here’s what one of our valued patients, Stacy T., had to say:

“Had a cleaning and got a chip fixed on a front tooth. The exam and cleaning were very thorough and everything was explained to me as it was being done. The color match to fix my chip was amazing! Dr. Nate and his staff are always thorough and friendly and explain things in easy to understand terms. They are very helpful in answering questions on anything whether it be the services you are receiving or insurance related questions.”

We’re honored to be a trusted part of so many families’ healthcare journeys. From your first visit to your routine checkups, we’re committed to treating you with kindness, transparency, and top-level dental care.

Preventive Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Smiles for Life

1210 East 7th Street
Auburn, IN 46706

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Office Hours

Mon

8am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm

Tue

8am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm

Wed

8am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm

Thur

8am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm

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What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry includes the routine services and preventive care that keep your mouth healthy day-to-day. These services form the foundation of lifelong oral health and help you avoid serious and expensive dental problems down the road.

General Dentistry Services We Offer

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry includes routine cleanings, digital X-rays, and thorough exams help us detect potential issues early before they become bigger problems. Our goal is to prevent decay, gum disease, and other complications through proactive care.

Pediatric Dentistry

We love working with kids! Dr. Heffelfinger provides gentle, fun, and educational pediatric dentistry to help young patients build healthy habits and reduce dental anxiety early on.

Tooth Extractions

If a tooth is badly damaged or infected, we offer safe and comfortable tooth extractions with a focus on quick healing and long-term oral health planning.

Dental Fillings

For cavities or minor damage, we use tooth-colored dental fillings that blend naturally with your smile and provide lasting protection.

Gum Disease Treatment

If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when brushing, you may have periodontal disease. We offer gentle but effective treatments to stop the progression of gum disease and restore gum health.

OraVerse®: Numbness Reversal Treatment

Tired of leaving the dentist with a numb face for hours? OraVerse® safely speeds up the return to normal sensation after dental anesthesia, so you can talk, eat, and smile faster.

Oral-DNA® Salivary Testing

We use Oral-DNA® Testing to assess your risk for gum disease and other oral-systemic health conditions. This advanced saliva test helps us tailor your care based on your unique oral bacteria profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend visiting every six months for cleanings and checkups. This helps us detect and prevent problems before they become serious.

Yes! OraVerse is FDA-approved and safe for most patients. Dr. Heffelfinger will review your health history to determine if it’s right for you.

We recommend scheduling your child’s first visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.

Unlike visual exams, Oral-DNA looks at the bacteria in your saliva to identify risks for gum disease and other systemic issues—allowing us to create personalized prevention strategies.

Experience Gentle, Thorough Care You Can Count On

If you’re looking for a trusted Auburn, IN dentist who provides compassionate, comprehensive general dentistry, look no further than Smiles for Life. From preventive care and fillings to advanced diagnostics and pediatric services, Dr. Nate Heffelfinger is here for your whole family.

Contact our general dentist in Auburn by calling 260-925-4290 to experience dental care that puts your comfort and health first. Serving patients in Auburn, Garrett, Waterloo, Butler, and surrounding areas.

General Dentistry in Auburn, IN

A Healthy Smile Starts with General Dentistry in Auburn, IN

See Why Our Patients Trust Dr. Heffelfinger

Related

Smiles for Life

Office Hours

What Is General Dentistry?

General Dentistry Services We Offer

Preventive Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Tooth Extractions

Dental Fillings

Gum Disease Treatment

OraVerse®: Numbness Reversal Treatment

Oral-DNA® Salivary Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam?

Is OraVerse safe for all patients?

What age should my child start seeing the dentist?

What makes Oral-DNA testing different from regular dental exams?

Experience Gentle, Thorough Care You Can Count On

Get the Care You Deserve At Smiles for Life

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