4 Reasons To Visit Our Family Dentist Office Before 2018

We know people say this all the time, but the year is flying by. We are down to the last four months of 2017. So, we want to give you four great reasons to visit family dentist Dr. Charles Betts before 2018 rolls around.

If you live in or near Decatur, AL, you should make an appointment by calling 256-274-8680 or by contacting us online.

As a family dentistry practice, we want to care for your kids and you. Our preference is always to encourage preventive care, which is why we hope you will visit us soon.

Now, without any further ado, here are four reasons you should visit us by the end of the year.

■ 1. You Don’t Want Cavities

This may be stating the obvious, but we are pretty confident that you don’t want tooth decay in your mouth. Professional dental cleanings and exams are an important part of preventing cavities in your teeth.

The fight against cavities starts at home with your daily oral hygiene routine. We hope you are using toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. Each time you brush you should scrub your teeth for two minutes. This gives you plenty of time to clean them on all sides and to brush your tongue.

It’s equally important to clean between your teeth and gums. Flossing or using another interdental cleaner is how you remove food particles and plaque from the places that your toothbrush can’t reach.

No matter how well you brush and floss, you still may miss spots sometimes. Our dental professionals can give you a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This reduces your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

At the same time, we will give you a professional dental exam. If you already have decay, this is our opportunity to catch it early and treat it before it becomes a bigger problem.

And while you are here, ask about dental sealants and fluoride treatments for added protection.

■ 2. You Don’t Want Gum Disease, Either

The good news is that fighting gum disease is as simple as doing the things you should already be doing to fight cavities.

Brushing, flossing, and making regular dental visits reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Your visits allow us to check for periodontal problems, so we can start treatment in the early stages if needed.

Healthy gums feel firm and look pink. Swollen, red gums can indicate gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. Many times your gums will bleed when you brush or or floss if you have gingivitis, too.

If your gum disease progress to a more advanced stage, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

▸ Gums that feel sore or tender

▸ Bad breath that never seems to go away

▸ Receding gums or pockets forming between your teeth and gums

▸ Teeth that feel loose in their sockets.

If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, please plan to visit Dr. Betts’s office as soon as you are able. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be.

With preventive care and early treatment, you can protect your smile.

■ 3. You Want To Repair Your Smile

We understand. Accidents happen. Life happens.

One minute you can be enjoying a movie. The next minute, you could have a cracked tooth because you bit into an unpopped kernel of popcorn.

You might be tailgating before your favorite team’s football game. A football could come out of nowhere and hit you in the mouth, knocking out one of your teeth and breaking another.

Then again, some problems develop more gradually. Over the course of your life, your teeth may start to show signs of wear and tear.

If any of these things happen, Dr. Betts and our team can help. With dental crowns, dental bridges, veneers, and more, we can repair damaged teeth and replace teeth that are missing.

■ 4. You Want To Improve Your Smile

The end of the year is a busy time for everyone, especially between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

That makes now a great time to come in for some cosmetic dentistry if you aren’t happy with your smile. Professional teeth whitening is one of the fastest and simplest ways to make your smile look better at your company party, at your family gatherings, and in the pictures that will inevitably be posted to social media.

Our Family Dentistry Is Here For You

Whether you want to keep your mouth healthy or make your smile look better than it has in years, call 256-274-8680 or fill out our online form. Dr. Betts and our team will be happy to help however we can.