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Preventive Dentistryin Auburn, IN

Why We Focus on Prevention

There are a few important things in life that, if taken care of beforehand, can prevent problems in the future. For example, getting the oil changed in your car, studying for a test a few days in advance, throwing out the bad bananas before your vacation, and agreeing to drive the speed limit.

Similar to these situations, visiting our dental office for biannual checkups is a preventive measure that can help mitigate the risk of future dental problems. For example, did you know that gum disease is linked to heart disease and strokes? Not to mention, during regular dental checkups, we can catch issues such as cavities and oral cancer before they become problematic.

If issues are caught early on, treatments are typically more affordable and less invasive. It’s important to remember that dental issues usually don’t go away on their own and seeking assistance in our Auburn dental office will put your oral health back on track.

Dental Checkups

The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist twice a year for an evaluation to ensure optimal oral health. While twice a year is a guideline, Dr. Heffelfinger may recommend more frequent visits if he has any concerns to ensure the health and beauty of your smile stay on track.

When you visit our office for your checkup, Dr. Heffelfinger will examine your gums, soft palate, throat, and neck to look for any abnormalities that might indicate oral cancer. Oral cancer is a potentially fatal disorder that has a high rate of recovery with early intervention.

After the examination, we’ll take x-rays to get a closer look at your gums and teeth. X-rays can reveal a number of issues that might otherwise go undetected, including:

  • Tooth decay
  • Infections
  • Jawbone deterioration
  • Tumors and cysts

At Smiles for Life, we’re committed to keeping your gums and teeth in the best of health so you can enjoy endless smiles for years to come.

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Professional Cleanings

During your professional cleanings, we’ll use special tools to remove any plaque, tartar, and stains to leave your smile looking polished and feeling its best. We’ll also provide you with any suggestions on ways you can improve your oral hygiene routine at home.

While professional hygiene appointments may rank low on the list of priorities for some patients, ignoring your oral health can be a slippery slope. When bacteria mixes with acid from food, the result is a sticky residue known as plaque. If plaque isn’t washed away, it can harden and turn into tartar which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

The Benefits of Oral Hygiene

In addition to leaving your teeth fresh and clean, there are several advantages of oral hygiene, including:

  • Fresher breath
  • Reduces the risk of gum disease
  • Better overall health with fewer chances of health complications such as cancer, strokes, and heart disease
  • Reduces the likelihood of tooth decay
  • Less likely to need invasive procedures such as root canal therapy
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At-Home Care

While visiting your dentist is vital in maintaining excellent oral health, your at-home oral care routine is just as, if not more important so you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. When you leave our office, it’s up to you to be diligent about maintaining an oral care routine so you can enjoy the benefits of healthy teeth and gums.

In addition to visiting our Auburn dental office for regular checkups and professional cleanings, you’ll want to:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Rinse between meals

Following these guidelines and any recommendations given by our friendly team will ensure your smile is in the best of health.

Frequently Asked Questions

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