Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives—family, friends, health, and even the little things we often overlook. Among these underappreciated blessings is dental health. Many take for granted the power of a healthy smile, but maintaining it requires more than just brushing and flossing.
Park South Dentistry has put together a list of dental care strategies that will have you expressing gratitude during this season and all year long. From underrated treatments to life-changing procedures, our dentist in Park South can help improve your health and quality of life, leaving you feeling truly thankful.
#1: Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental exams might not be the most glamorous treatment you can get, but visiting our dentist in Park South every six months gives us a chance to catch a lot of issues early. Cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer can all be spotted in their initial stages at your checkups.
Regular dental care attendance is associated with better oral health, according to research. You’ll definitely feel glad you got care when a routine check-in saves you from pain and costly treatments down the line.
#2: Dental Sealants
With just the application of a thin coating on your back teeth, you could protect yourself from tooth decay. Dental sealants create a barrier, preventing food particles and plaque from settling into the grooves of your molars. That means no bacteria creating acids that eat away at your enamel. The process is quick, painless, and cost-effective, with our dentist in Park South typically taking just a few minutes per tooth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who have sealants applied to molars after they come in can expect two years of protection for up to 80% of cavities. However, sealants aren’t just for kids; adults can benefit, too. Their long-lasting protection can save you money and discomfort in the long run, making them a small investment with significant returns.
#3: Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are another dental service that deserves a spot on your gratitude list. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is famous for strengthening tooth enamel, the hard outer lining of your teeth. But it actually does more than that. Fluoride can remineralize your teeth—that means it actually reverses tooth decay in its early stages.
In-office fluoride treatments at Park South Dentistry are typically applied in the form of a gel or varnish during your dental checkup. Follow up with fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses at home as part of your daily routine. This accessible and effective treatment is a simple way to protect your teeth and keep your smile strong and healthy.
#4: Gum Disease Treatments
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects nearly half of adults over 30, according to the CDC. Left untreated, it can lead to your gums receding or detaching from your teeth. Eventually, your teeth could become loose or fall out, and even your bone density can decrease.
With such potential consequences on the line, you’ll have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving if you get early intervention from our dentist in Park South. We can perform a kind of dental deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, getting rid of gum disease.
#5: Custom Night Guards
The holiday season is wonderful, but it’s also harried and frantic for many. If you’re already someone who grinds their teeth at night, you may be doing a little more of that during this time of year. A custom night guard can protect your teeth from the damage and discomfort that comes with bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding and clenching). Unlike over-the-counter options, custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your mouth, offering a comfortable and secure fit.
This is especially vital if you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Teeth grinding can be a symptom or a result of TMD. Night guards force your jaw to relax and prevent your teeth from touching, protecting both the jaw joint and your smile from wear and tear. We can fit you for a night guard just in time for the holiday season.
#6: Dental Implants
Our dentist in Park South thinks you’ll be thankful for this treatment for the rest of your life—after all, that’s how long dental implants can last with proper care. If you’ve lost teeth, we can place small titanium posts into the jawbone to serve as new, artificial tooth roots. This will strengthen your jaw and help preserve bone density. Once the implant integrates with the bone, we can place a tooth restoration, such as a crown, on top.
From restoring your smile aesthetics to preventing premature aging, dental implants are the complete package. You’ll even be able to chew and chat with ease again, just like with your natural teeth. We’re grateful that this solution exists for our patients, and we think you’ll be giving thanks, too.
Be Grateful for Your Grin with These Treatments
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the importance of dental health and consider scheduling an appointment with our dentist in Park South to explore these valuable options. Your future self will thank you. Book with Park South Dentistry today.
