At the dental office of Keith Rudolph, DDS, we recommend that patients receive preventive care, which includes a full caries (decay) and periodontal exam and a teeth cleaning, a minimum of two times per year. These recall visits help our healthcare professionals to diagnose issues such as decay and periodontal disease before they become advanced.

During your exam, your dental hygienist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. We may also want to take digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. These images will help us discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth.

When necessary, we provide in-office fluoride treatments and/or take home fluoride with custom trays and a prescription-strength fluoride treatment for cavity prevention. This is especially helpful for adults with dry mouth issues, medical conditions, and post radiation or chemotherapy. We also offer scaling and root planing for periodontal therapy.

Tips for Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Life

Brushing and Flossing

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!

Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

Diet

Eat a diet low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, which turn to sugar and cause decay. Calcium-rich foods such as milk yogurt and cheese, fortified soy drinks and tofu, canned salmon, almonds, and dark leafy vegetables help promote strong teeth and bones. Phosphorus, found in eggs, fish, lean meats, dairy, nuts, and beans is also good for strong teeth.

If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our Fairfield dental practice and schedule your next appointment!