Preventative Care

Did you know that according to statistics, more than 90% of adults ages 20-64 have had a cavity in their lifetime? And, tooth decay doesn’t just affect grownups. Cavities also affect the youngest members of the population; with 78% of children having had a cavity by the time they’re 17 years of age. While these percentages are alarmingly high, tooth decay is an almost entirely preventable condition. With routine checkups and care, our dentist can help reduce your risk of dental disease. At Portia J. Bell, we utilize the most advanced technology and methods of care to help patients of all ages enjoy optimal oral health.

Tooth decay is caused by plaque, which is a sticky biofilm that gathers continuously on your teeth. The problem is that plaque harbors thousands of colonies of bacteria, some of which are responsible for cavities and gum disease. While brushing, flossing and limiting your intake of sugar, are important steps for preventing any buildup of plaque and protecting your teeth from cavities, it’s also important to see your dentist for routine care. Plaque can gather in the difficult to reach areas between the teeth and gums where it can only be reached with a professional teeth cleaning. As part of our comprehensive program of preventive care, we thoroughly remove any residual plaque and tartar, and offer guidance as to how you can improve your daily oral hygiene at home. As an added level of protection against tooth decay, we offer pediatric patients periodic fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.

For patients of all ages, our team performs a comprehensive examination, assisted by advanced digital radiography, as needed. In this way, we can monitor the ongoing oral health of our patients. If a cavity is detected, our dentist will gently and precisely remove the decay, then restore the tooth with a dental filling. At our practice, we utilize the latest generation of tooth-colored restorative materials, for the most natural looking and seamless results of care.

Our team at Portia J. Bell is dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate dental care. For more information on our practice and the various dental services we provide, give our office a call today.

By Portia J. Bell

February 1, 2021