Why You Should Focus on Prevention for Your Best Oral Health

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Brushing, flossing, seeing your dentist, at-home fluoride treatments, water-pics, mouth wash: these are relatively simple ways to keep your teeth healthy month after month.

Of course, there’s a reason why millions of people face tooth or gum decay — even when it’s preventable. Here, we’ll look at why you should shift your focus to preventative dentistry in Brandon, FL if you want better oral health, and just how important it is to take those extra steps.

Prevention vs. Fate

First things first: there are certain oral health conditions that you can’t avoid. Whether that’s impacted wisdom teeth or periodontal disease, there are certain factors that you will never be able to fight against. However, even if you have a stacked genetic hand working against you, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to control what lies ahead for you.

Prevention at Home

The more you can do for yourself at home, whether that’s brushing every time you eat or investing time to learn the proper way to floss, the more likely you’ll stave off everything from cavities to root canals. Ideally, you want to keep your mouth structure intact because that’s the most powerful it will ever be.

While artificial reinforcements, like crowns and implants, can go a long way to stabilize the mouth, a dentist in Brandon, FL will always recommend prevention over these services to ensure that you can keep your natural teeth and gums for as long as possible.

Finding Preventative Care in Brandon

As you ramp up your at-home efforts, just keep in mind that nothing can replace seeing a dentist. A professional is the only one who can remove all the bacteria and tartar from your mouth. You may also need to visit a dentist for additional services, like deep cleanings, to remove any build-up in the pockets of your gums.

Avoiding major dental services may take you more time, but you’ll be glad you made the investment in the end. If you’re interested in finding a dental team in Brandon that can monitor your oral health over the years, contact Brandon Dental Care to learn more about how we recommend treatments based on everything from your age to your concerns.

What Kinds of Benefits Does a Dental Bridge Offer?

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Wondering what to do about a missing tooth or two? Our dentists in Brandon and Riverview, FL, at Brandon Dental Care may recommend a dental bridge to replace them. What makes this such a good option for tooth replacement? We’ll go over some of their main benefits!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

It’s a restorative structure consisting of a replacement tooth and crowns on adjacent teeth to keep it in place. Some bridge types have just one crown, while others include implants instead of crowns. Some use metal wings rather than crowns.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Replaces Missing Teeth

Dental bridges fill in spaces where you’ve lost teeth due to injuries or decay. They serve as replacements so you have a full set of teeth in your mouth.

Strengthens Your Teeth

Getting a bridge helps ease pressure on your other teeth while you chew and bite, making them stronger and reducing the risk of damage.

Enhances Your Smile

Empty spaces can easily show when you smile. Dental bridges close up these gaps, giving you a smile that you’re not self-conscious about.

Improves Oral Care

Missing teeth leave spaces where bacteria can accumulate and cause infections or other problems. A dental bridge reduces these risks and helps your teeth and gums stay healthier.

Prevents Structural Facial Changes

Having at least one missing tooth can change the structure of your face, causing areas to sag. Dental bridges help prevent this from happening, improving your appearance.

Set Up Your Appointment for a Dental Bridge!

Are you missing one or more of your teeth? At Brandon Dental Care, our dentists offer dental bridges in Riverview and Brandon, FL, providing patients with effective options to replace teeth that they’ve lost.

Get the Truth About These 5 Dental Myths

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Myths permeate all aspects of life, and things are a lot worse now, thanks to all the social media postings. People spread all kinds of myths about going to the dentist, often not realizing that they aren’t the truth. To help clear up some of the most common ones, your dentist in Riverview, FL is shining the light on these five dental myths.

Myth 1: If My Teeth Don’t Hurt, They’re Healthy

Pain isn’t always the first sign of a problem, and it shouldn’t be the only thing that motivates you to visit the dentist. A lot of very serious issues can develop silently.

Myth 2: Brushing Harder Cleans Better

Yes, brushing well is important, but brushing with too much force can actually wear down enamel and damage your gums. You’re not drilling for oil when you brush. Use a firm grip, but don’t overdo it.

Myth 3: Baby Teeth Don’t Matter

Baby teeth aren’t just there to make your baby look even more adorable than they already are. Neglecting them can lead to early tooth loss, pain and long-term dental issues.

Myth 4: Sugar Is the Only Cause of Cavities

Sugar contributes to cavities, but it’s not the only factor. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth and acidic foods can also lead to tooth decay. Even frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day increases risk.

Myth 5: You Should Avoid the Dentist If You’re Pregnant

On the contrary, dental care during pregnancy is important. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease in Riverview, FL, so maintaining regular check-ups and cleanings is essential for both mother and baby.

Don’t let myths steer you away from good dental care. Understanding the truth helps you make better choices and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Exploring Different Types of Dental Crowns 

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If you have teeth that are worn or decayed, they may have a higher risk of getting infected or suffering more damage. How do our dentists in Brandon and Riverview, FL, at Brandon Dental Care protect these teeth? We might recommend having dental crowns placed on them for protection. With the following types available, we’ll determine which one offers the best fit for your teeth!

Metal

These are crowns made of nickel, gold, or other metals. They offer a lot of durability due to their strength — but their coloring makes them highly visible. Metal crowns might not be the right choice if you need your front teeth restored.

Ceramic and Porcelain

These types of crowns closely mimic the look of natural teeth, making them a great choice for front teeth that are broken, decayed, or worn down.

Porcelain and Metal

Dental crowns made of metal and porcelain provide strength and aesthetic appeal. This combination of qualities makes them suitable for teeth in the front and back of your mouth.

Resin

Crowns made of this material generally cost less than metal, porcelain, and ceramic. But they don’t last as long, since they’re not as strong. All-resin crowns are typically used for temporary crowns, rather than permanent ones.

Composite

These crowns are made of resin and other materials that resemble the look of natural teeth. They’re an affordable option, but they don’t offer the same durability as other dental crowns.

Schedule an Appointment for Tooth Restoration!

Do you have a tooth that’s eroded or decayed? Our dentists at Brandon Dental Care can restore it with a crown. We offer different types of dental crowns in Brandon and Riverview, FL, to provide your tooth with the best protection!

What Happens if You Skip Your Annual Cleaning?

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Life is busy, so finding time for routine dental appointments can be hard. But what really happens if you miss your twice-a-year appointment? Here is a closer look at what might happen.

Missed Oral Cancer Screenings

One of the things your dentist does at your preventive checkup is screen for oral cancer. Because you can’t see inside your own mouth easily, these types of cancer often go undetected until they’ve progressed. Early detection is key, so your bi-annual visit is essential!

Increased Tartar Build-up

No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, some tartar is going to build up over time. It’s just the nature of dental care. Professional cleaning gets that tartar and plaque off of your teeth and protects against tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are common if you don’t address tartar quickly.

Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease

Even skipping just one cleaning can lead to an increased risk of gingivitis. Skipping more than one can lead to an increased risk of more serious gum disease. Gum disease can increase your risk for a wide range of health conditions, and you can avoid all of these simply by keeping your dental cleaning.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth and gum sensitivity problems can get worse without cleaning. When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, it can cause inflamed gums. It can also cause gum recession, which can expose the root and nerve. This makes your teeth more sensitive.

As you read through this list, the need for oral health screenings and cleanings becomes clear. If you’re overdue for a cleaning, reach out to Brandon Dental Care, your Riverview, FL, dentist, to schedule one today.

Why Should I See the Dentist Every Six Months?

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Do you go to the dentist in Brandon and Riverview, FL, every six months? If not, you should. Preventative dental care from your dentist can help you take good care of your teeth and gums. Your dentist is your partner in taking care of your teeth! In this article, we’ll talk about why you should see the dentist every six months.

Dental Exams Catch Problems In Their Early Stages

Dental exams are an important part of preventative dental care. When you go to the dentist for a dental exam, a dental professional will look at your teeth for cavities, cracks in your tooth enamel, dental infection, gum disease, and more. If your dentist notices signs of one of these problems, they will recommend a treatment plan to stop the problem before it becomes serious.

The longer between dental cleanings, the more time dental problems have to spread. This can lead to complications and expensive dental procedures.

Dental Cleanings Remove Plaque and Tartar

During dental cleanings, the dental professional will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque and tartar contribute to cavities, gum recession, and gum disease. Cleaning your teeth can help protect you from these problems.

At-Home Dental Care Isn’t Enough On Its Own

Hopefully, you’re brushing and flossing your teeth at home. Even if you are, this isn’t enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Going to the dentist for preventative care, like a dental exam and cleaning in Brandon and Riverview, FL, can help you take care of your teeth.

Is it time to see the dentist? Contact us to make an appointment today.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Brighten Your Smile

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Do you want to have a beautiful smile? Are you frustrated with the appearance of your teeth? You can help with cosmetic dentistry procedures that make your teeth look even, straight, and pearly white. In this article, we’ll talk about the cosmetic dentistry procedures that patients in Riverview and Brandon, FL, are seeking for their teeth.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin wafer-shaped cover that can be glued to the front of your teeth. Dental veneers don’t provide structural support, but they’re designed to hide imperfections and cosmetic problems like stains, gaps, chips, and breaks in the tooth.

To make space for a dental veneer to be installed, the dentist must first remove some tooth enamel. Then, the dental veneer is adhered to the front of the tooth. Once installed, the dental veneer must remain attached to the tooth to protect the enamel. Dental veneers provide a permanent solution to patients who want to beautify their teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a white composite resin that’s attached to the front of a tooth to hide imperfections like stains, gaps, chips, and breaks. This sounds a lot like dental veneers, right?

Dental bonding is similar to dental veneers except for one big difference: no tooth enamel is removed to make dental bonding possible. Eventually, bonding will chip away. When this happens, your dentist can replace dental bonding easily.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained with time. Teeth whitening services can whiten and brighten your tooth enamel. Teeth whitening with the dentist is fast, efficient, and long-lasting.

Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry in Riverview and Brandon, FL? If so, call the dentists at Brandon Dental Care today.

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5 Restorative Dentistry Services to Fix Your Teeth

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Damaged and injured teeth cause problems. Damaged teeth can lead to pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and even dental infection. Restorative dentistry from your dentist in Brandon and Riverview, FL, can help. At Brandon Dental Care, we provide restorative dentistry services to patients with broken, damaged, and missing teeth.

1. Cavity Fillings

Cavities are small, painful holes in the tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by tooth decay. A sugary diet, poor oral hygiene habits, and bacteria in the mouth can all contribute to cavities. If you have a cavity, your dentist will fill it with an amalgam or composite filling to restore your tooth and stop the decay from progressing.

2. Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that can replace a missing permanent tooth. Dental implants are permanently installed in the jaw and function like real teeth. Dental implants look natural, so your smile will look whole again once the implant is in place.

3. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover customized to fit your mouth and protect your tooth enamel. Dental crowns are helpful when a tooth is severely damaged. Dental crowns are put in place after a root canal.

4. Dentures

If you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures can fill the holes with artificial teeth. Dentures can replace all your teeth or just a few.

5. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth held in place with two crowns on either side of the dental bridge. To install a bridge, your dentist will shave down the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, then the bridge is installed.

If you’re missing a tooth or you have a damaged tooth, your dentist can help. At Brandon Dental Care, we provide restorative dentistry in Brandon and Riverview, FL. Call today to make an appointment.