At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our well-trained staff will ease your child into the new dental atmosphere and make them feel comfortable and relaxed while our dentist gently performs the initial exam. During this extremely important oral health check, our dentist will pay close attention to your child’s bite and the way their teeth are coming in. Identifying potential issues early is a great way to utilize proactive care. Often, Dr. Covington will order a dental cleaning, topical fluoride rinse, or other treatment to give your child a good boost in future cavity prevention and to help strengthen tooth enamel. What Happens After the Exam? From the very first visit, we like to set the tone for healthy dental habits that will last your …
Test Your Dental IQ
Try your hand at these questions on what's good for your teeth. Questions 1. Chewing gum is always bad for your teeth. __True __ False 2. You should replace your toothbrush every six months. __ True __ False 3. Nearly 35,000 new U.S. cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. ___ True ___ False 4. The amount you sleep affects your gums. ___ True ___ False 5. Dentists recommend fluoride consumption for adults and children of all ages. ___ True ___ False 6. Healthy teeth and gums reflect your body's overall health. ___ True ___ False Answers 1. False. The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to several sugarless gum manufacturers. …
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
What is minimally invasive dentistry and how is it different from regular dentistry? The goal of minimally invasive dentistry, or microdentistry, is to conserve healthy tooth structure. It focuses on prevention, remineralization, and minimal dentist intervention. Using scientific advances, minimally invasive dentistry allows dentists to perform the least amount of dentistry needed while never removing more of the tooth structure than is required to restore teeth to their normal condition. In addition, in minimally invasive dentistry, dentists use long-lasting dental materials that conserve the maximum tooth structure so the need for future repairs is reduced. How does it work? First your dentist will evaluate your risk for tooth decay. …
Men’s Oral Health
June is National Men’s Health Month. Across the country, preventative screenings, health fairs, media spotlights, and other health education and outreach activities will raise the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Why is oral health important for me? Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to research, their oral health is equally ignored. Good oral health has been linked to longevity, yet one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only …
Laser Dentistry
What is a laser and how does it work? A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize, or shape tissue. Are lasers used in dentistry? Yes, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. Lasers are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments. How are lasers used in dentistry? Dental lasers can be used to: • correct speech problems caused by a tongue-tie, which prevents normal tongue movement. • uncover partially …
Infection Control
Infection control is a set of recommended safety precautions that dentists put in place to protect patients and their staff. Many dental procedures involve direct contact with blood and saliva. Strict infection control helps to stop the spread of disease. Improved infection control procedures call for most of the instruments and supplies that your dentist uses to be either heat-sterilized or disposable. Do all dentists practice infection control? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that all employees who may come in contact with blood must be trained about proper infection control procedures. The dental board in your state also may have additional rules that your dentist must …
How to choose a Dentist
Begin the Search It is generally acknowledged that more than 46 percent of consumers do not have a general dentist. Many consumers turn to the phone book to search for a new family dentist. However, this tool may not be the most reliable source of information. Family, friends, neighbors or co-workers can be excellent sources, and can refer you to a dentist they feel comfortable visiting. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist. If you are moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation. Last, call your local or state dental society. Questions you should ask your sources: > What do they like about the office? > What do they like about the dentist? Start With a Consultation Call or visit more …
Geriatric Dental Care
Due to advances in medicine and an increase in prolonged life expectancy, the number of older people will continue to increase worldwide. It is essential that all older adults practice and maintain good oral hygiene due to the high correlation between oral health and general health. How should I care for my teeth as I get older? Maintaining good oral health is not only vital to your systemic health—it can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush is as important as ever. Flossing is very important, too—it helps to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. Am I more prone to certain oral conditions as I age? As …
Flossing
Do I really need to floss? Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque and, in some ways, more important than the toothbrush. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease. Many people don’t spend enough time flossing and many never have been taught the proper way to floss. What type of floss is the best? Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. They all clean and remove plaque. Wide floss, also known as dental tape, may be helpful for people with a …
Effects of Smoking
Using tobacco can harm your mouth, including your teeth and gums, in a number of ways. There is no safe form of tobacco— using it produces many problems and risk factors, from tooth discoloration and gum disease to throat, lung, and oral cancer, and, ultimately, even death. It’s important to understand what happens to your mouth when you use any form of tobacco, and to discuss those effects—and how to quit—with your dentist and physician. What happens to my mouth when I smoke? Smoking reduces blood flow and the supply of vital nutrients to your gums, including vitamin C. Without the proper nutrients, you can develop gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss. This is because smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in …