We’re all guilty of taking something for granted. For many of us, that something is our teeth. Even if someone brushes daily, do they take a toothbrush to work for a midday swipe? Do they floss regularly? Do they regularly update their dental X-rays? Rarely does a person employ consistent, effective dental hygiene habits.

So, for that day when you happen to catch a glance of your smile in the mirror, don’t panic: your general dentist can still help you. Here’s some information about how.

Preventive Dentistry

Granted, preventive dentistry is generally a preventative measure against oral decay, but even if you already suffer from some oral health issues, preventive dentistry can keep them from exacerbating and keep further problems from developing. Preventive dentistry essentially is any measure exercising oral hygiene and stalling future decay. The three most common forms of preventive dentistry include brushing, flossing and professional cleanings. Dentists commonly agree that brushing with toothpaste should occur after every meal. Flossing should occur at least daily, if not in conjunction with the post-meal brushings. Dental cleanings should occur once every 6 months, and occasionally more frequently than that, dependent upon the specific conditions of the patient.

A professional cleaning periodically includes dental X-rays. These X-rays allow your general dentist to see any issues not visible to the naked eye, as well as track the movement of your teeth and gums over the course of months and years. X-rays, along with other advances in dentistry technology, allow your Austin dentist to not only discover issues in their early stages, but to treat and correct these problems as well.

Comprehensive Dental Treatment

No matter what your unique dental situation is, your general dentist will help you in plotting a comprehensive dental treatment course. These treatments will serve to target your specific dental issues. For example, if you suffer from advanced stages of tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease), your dentist may conduct tooth scaling and planing, an intensive form of teeth cleaning. Scaling and planing involves a deep teeth cleaning followed by a smoothing of the tooth, leveling the surfaces so it’s more difficult for future bacteria and debris to lodge in the crevices.

Comprehensive dental plans not only aim to maintain healthy teeth, but also healthy gums, tongue and overall mouth. Call your Austin general dentist today to discuss how a custom dental hygiene plan can benefit you.

Restorative Dentistry

When preventive dentistry is too late to save some teeth, restorative dentistry procedures save them. Restorative dentistry includes any technique which corrects oral decay or disease. For example, implant dentistry involves inserting an artificial root and tooth into an empty socket to fill the empty gap and create a beautiful, functional smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Thanks to advancing dental technology, now the majority of general dentistry overlaps with cosmetic dentistry. While general dentistry most often aims to enhance oral health, cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance oral aesthetic. Now, most general dentistry procedures utilize cosmetic considerations, providing you the most healthy, attractive smile possible.

Interested in perfecting your smile? Call your Austin general dentist, Dr. Mike McCarty, today. Honest, experienced and thorough, Dr. McCarty will provide you the most comprehensive general dentistry exam, utilizing preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to bring your smile up to its full potential.