Our General Dentistry Services Can Help You Keep Your Natural Teeth

Regularly getting general dentistry services can go a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. Preventive dentistry treatments are the most common treatments performed by dentists, and they help to protect teeth from the things that are most likely to damage them.

Teeth are naturally protected by enamel, which is the hardest part of the body. However, teeth are also exposed to more things that can damage them than any other part of the body. A person's teeth are constantly exposed to the tremendous forces that are generated by their jaw when they chew, trauma from everyday life and sporting activities, as well as the acids in the foods a person eats and acids created by bacteria in the mouth. The combination of all these things tends to wear teeth down over the course of a person's life. Here are some ways general dentistry treatments can help to prevent that:

How general dentistry protects patients' teeth

1. Removes tartar and plaque buildup

Dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning at least two times each year and for many good reasons. Tartar buildup is removed during cleanings, and this is important, since tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Tartar provides a safe haven for acid-producing bacteria that live in the mouth to thrive and facilitate tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Gives the dentist a chance to examine the patient's mouth

When a patient goes in for a preventative treatment like a cleaning, the dentist gets to conduct an oral examination. The dentist will look for signs of developing dental or other health issues like oral cancer. Depending on what the examination reveals, the dentist will come up with a treatment plan.

3. Saves money

Preventative dentistry makes a patient's dental bill lower in the long run. Dentistry is like many other things in life. The earlier an issue is detected, the cheaper it typically is to fix it. Most preventative treatments like cleanings do not cost much, yet they can help to prevent serious issues that cost thousands of dollars to fix.

4. Provides teeth with an extra layer of protection

The teeth are constantly exposed to all types of things that can damage them, but preventative dentistry offers them additional protection. Treatments like fluoride can be used to help remineralize a person's teeth, while dental sealants can be used to protect teeth from food particles and acids that can damage them. Dental prosthetics like crowns can also be used to protect a tooth.

5. Keeps the patient's teeth looking their best

When a person gets regular preventative treatments, any dental issues that arise are always dealt with during their early stages before major damage is done. This helps to avoid the need for more serious dental treatments and keeps the patient's teeth looking healthy.

The bottom line

Getting regular general dentistry services such as preventative dental treatments is a must. Take good care of your teeth and they will remain healthy throughout your life. When was the last time you had a preventative procedure? Schedule an appointment with a general dentist today.

Request an appointment here: or call True Health Dental - Dr. Navid at (707) 422-2410 for an appointment in our Fairfield office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services.

How an Oral Piercing Affects Your Teeth and Gums

Whether it's believable or not, oral piercings can have a significant effect on the rest of the mouth - including the teeth and the gums. When something sharp and metal is placed inside something that holds a lot of bacteria, such as the mouth, the piercing is likely to get infected. An infected tongue will inevitably lead to other oral infections, which as one can imagine, isn't enjoyable.

While an oral piercing doesn't seem harmful, it actually can be. When something like a tongue ring is inserted into the tongue, it will cause the tongue to be cut - like any other piercing. Blood will form, and the body will work to heal it as quickly as possible, but that's not always the case - especially with the mouth.

All areas around the mouth are prone to bacteria

Oral piercings are placed within or around the mouth, which is a massive source of bacteria. The teeth and gums rely on a person to maintain good dental hygiene to avoid infections or diseases. If proper hygiene isn't maintained, bacteria begins to grow all around the gums and in the roots of the teeth. When a piercing slices the tongue or lip open, it needs the proper amount of time to heal. However, the healing process inside or around a wet salivated mouth may take double the time than it would if it were an ear or nose.

Understanding the risks and effects of oral piercings can save someone a lot of money, time, and pain.

The effects of oral piercings on the teeth

Bacteria tends to grow in places that are wet or poorly maintained. When a piercing is first received, people are less likely to touch or clean the area surrounding due to the discomfort that comes along with it. The cut from the piercing will take a significant amount of time to heal, and without proper dental hygiene, infections are bound to form.

If an infection forms around the tongue or lip then it will likely spread to the teeth, causing diseases, erosion or cavities. Bacteria thrive on open wounds and especially wounds that are in a salivated environment. The teeth will likely be affected by the bacteria. Be sure to continually clean the teeth to avoid any bacterial infections from forming.

The effects of oral piercings on the gums

While the mouth is susceptible to infection as a whole, the gums are especially vulnerable to infections and bacterial growth due to their location inside of the mouth. Because the gums line the teeth and protect the roots, they are one of the most critical parts of the mouth. They need to be maintained correctly for them to stay healthy.

Because bacteria thrive on open wounds, an oral piercing will often get infected. The infection will spread to the gums and the lining of the gums because it has nowhere else to latch onto. Ensure that the gums are adequately cared for while the wound is healing. Otherwise, a bacterial infection will form causing long-term damage.

Avoiding oral piercings as a whole might be in someone's best interest, but if an oral piercing is so desired that someone can't say no, then it's best to pay very close attention the rest of the mouth as well. Proper oral hygiene is required to avoid any bacterial infections or diseases from forming along the gums or among the teeth.

If there are questions or concerns that you may have about oral piercings, don't hesitate to reach out to us today. We're always happy to assist to the best of our ability and answer any questions you may have!

Request an appointment here: or call True Health Dental - Dr. Navid at (707) 422-2410 for an appointment in our Fairfield office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services.