Preventive Care
in Shirley, MA

maintain a Healthy Smile

Shirley Preventive Dentistry

Most oral health issues can be prevented if the proper measures are taken. The first step to a healthy mouth is a regular, 6-month cleaning and checkup at Nashoba Valley Dental. At your professional teeth cleaning, Dr. Annese will be able to check for issues like tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems. With the proper preventive steps, these minor issues can be resolved without further treatment.

common treatments

avoid issues

Preventive care focuses on catching common problems, like tooth decay, early and using advanced dental techniques to prevent them from developing into more serious oral health conditions. Common treatments include:

• 6-month teeth cleanings and oral exams – Your regular 6-month cleaning helps remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and gums. In addition, it allows Dr. Annese and your oral hygienist to examine your mouth for other potential issues such as periodontitis, tooth decay, and oral cancer, among others.
• Dental sealants – Dental sealants are made of advanced plastic compounds. A thin layer of plastic is applied to teeth that are at risk of cavities, such as the rearmost molars. This barrier prevents acid and bacterial buildup, minimizing the risk of tooth decay.
• Fluoride treatments – Fluoride allows tooth enamel to remineralize, and become stronger. Dr. Annese often uses fluoride treatments for those who have weakened enamel or are at a heightened risk of developing cavities.
• Deep cleanings (scaling & root planing) – Scaling and root planing is used to remove bacteria and tartar (calculus) from the gums. It is often used in patients who have gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease.

unique advantages

benefits of preventive care

Here are a few benefits of seeing Dr. Annese of Nashoba Valley Dental for a regular 6-month checkup or other preventive treatments:

• Save time and money – A minor cavity can easily be treated without a filling if it is caught in time. Your regular 6-month exam is covered under most dental plans and is the best way to stay on top of your oral health. By doing so, you can avoid costly procedures like root canals, periodontal treatments, fillings, and crowns. This saves you both time and money.
• Maintain a healthier smile – Don’t let gum disease or tooth decay affect your smile. Regular preventive care helps keep your teeth bright, white and healthy.
• Minimize pain and discomfort – The pain of a toothache caused by a cavity or an infected tooth can be unbearable. With regular preventive care, you can avoid oral pain due to tooth infections and other oral health problems.

how do I

brush my teeth properly?

As recommended by the ADA, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time. The best type of toothbrush to use is a soft bristle toothbrush, whether it be manual or electric. Hard bristles can be too abrasive to your enamel. Apply fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush and tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle. 
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Then, you’ll want to brush every surface of your teeth, starting from the outside. Brush your upper and lower teeth from the outside as well as around your gum line. You’ll then brush the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth. 
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When brushing the back of your teeth, use an upward and downward motion. Finally, don’t neglect your tongue which harbors a ton of bacteria and can contribute to foul breath odor.

how do I

Floss correctly?

Many different available tools can be used to floss in between your teeth, such as traditional floss threaders, water flossers, and interdental brushes. Water flossers are a great option to clean between oral appliances like braces or dental bridges. 
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Interdental brushes are like little brushes that can slip between the teeth much like a string to remove food debris. You should floss at least once a day and run the floss from the crown of the tooth up to your gum line, making sure to rub against both sides of the gap.

why is it important to

treat periodontal disease?

It’s important to treat periodontal disease as soon as possible, because only the earliest stage is reversible. The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with something as simple as a traditional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene practices at home. 
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However, if left untreated, it will develop into irreversible periodontitis, which leads to bone loss and soft tissue damage. In the advanced stages, this can lead to tooth loss. Treatments for gum disease include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and oral surgery such as gum grafting.

is preventive care

covered by insurance?

The best way to know what is covered under your specific insurance is to call your provider and ask what is covered and how much they will cover. Generally speaking, preventive care is more likely to be covered partially or entirely by insurance when compared to restorative or cosmetic procedures. 
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Dental insurance coverage usually prioritizes prevention which can reduce your risk of worsening the problem and needing a more expensive and complex procedure later on. Common preventive treatments that may be covered by insurance include dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride varnish, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings. 
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At Nashoba Valley Dental, we never want a lack of insurance coverage to prevent you from getting necessary dental treatment. That’s why we offer various financing options such as CareCredit, Flex Check, and payment plans.

due for a checkup?

book a visit

There is no substitute for regular preventive care, no matter how well you brush and floss! If you need a 6-month check-up, Nashoba Valley Dental is the right place for you. Dr. Annese provides expert dental care with a flexible schedule and can treat the entire family. You and your loved ones can get the care you need and stay on top of your oral health.

At Nashoba Valley Dental, we’re always accepting new patients. Feel free to contact us for an appointment at (978) 425-9088, or to visit our office at 228 Great Road, Shirley, MA 01464.