Preventive Dentistry

Your Oral Health

Your oral health and the quality of your smile have a large impact on your well being. A bright, welcoming smile can greatly increase your self-confidence, and make a positive impression on others.

The health of your teeth and gums also affects other aspects of your physical health. Researchers continually link good oral health to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening conditions.

The most important part of maintaining your oral health is conscientious personal oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits with Dr. Hanchett and his team.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing removes food particles and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria on and around your teeth. This bacteria will otherwise accumulate, and harden into a thick plaque, eventually causing tooth decay and bone loss below the gum.

Videos

Preventative How to brush your teeth

Preventative How to floss

Some tips for maintaining your oral health are:

• Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, ideally after each meal.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Limit snacking in between meals and minimize the amount of processed sugars you consume.

Regular Office Visits

Regular visits allow Dr. Hanchett to diagnose any problems early, monitor any areas of decay, and remove plaque that has built up over time. He will also assess the health of the gums and other tissues in your mouth.

Each person has individual needs or concerns. Your dental cleanings are also an opportunity for you to discuss these with Dr. Hanchett.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is just as deadly as other forms of cancer, but if discovered early enough, nearly 90% of all cases are curable. That is why at every dental visit, we will exam your mouth for signs of cancer.

Because cancer can take the form of many non-alarming tissue changes in the oral region, it is important that you see us if you have any sore or discolored area of your mouth that does not heal within 14 days.