YOUR LOCAL STAFFORD & FREDERICKSBURG DENTIST
At Southpoint Quality Dental, we strive to provide our patients with the tools they need to keep their teeth and gums in top health. We do this by embracing total preventive care plans, which include regular checkups, cleanings, and education on the best at-home oral health practices.
We Can Help You Prevent And Treat Common Dental Problems
Below are a few common dental issues with which many people may struggle with. For our patients requiring restorative care, our treatments include dental crowns and dental implants, as well as sedation dentistry for those that feel anxious about treatment. With our care plans, we can help these individuals not only recover from their conditions, but also prevent the problems from recurring.
Tooth Decay & Damage
Some of the most common types of dental issues involve tooth decay and tooth damage. There are a couple of conditions that can stem from this kind of problem:
- Caries/Cavities: When exposed to substantial quantities of sugar that is not cleaned away, teeth can decay. This is because sugars have two effects on teeth. First, the sugars and carbohydrates lead to the creation of acids that erode tooth enamel. Second, sweet foods and drinks generate plaque. If they are not removed via brushing and flossing, the acids and plaque will combine and cause the demineralization of teeth. This will ultimately lead to tooth decay if left unchecked.
- Sensitive Teeth: There are a number of issues that may result in sensitive teeth, including worn enamel, receding gums, or microscopic tooth cracks. Those who suffer from sensitive teeth may experience pain while consuming hot and cold food or drinks; for those with extreme sensitivity, breathing cold air may be enough to trigger a painful sensation. Regular dental care can help to identify the root causes for this problem, which may lead to solutions that can reduce sensitivity.
Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be the result of a build-up of plaque, food, and bacteria in the mouth. While this can sometimes be addressed with a more rigorous brushing and flossing routine, it can also be an indicator that a person is suffering from a serious gum disease that requires professional dental treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can severely affect the structure of the mouth, as it can ultimately lead not only to inflammation and irritation, but also gum, tooth, and bone damage. This condition begins with plaque buildup and can quickly progress into serious conditions.
Generally, there are three phases of the disease. It begins with gingivitis (mild), then moves on to periodontitis (moderate) and periodontitis (severe). Some symptoms of gum disease are:
- Chronic Bad Breath
- Swollen, Inflamed Gums That Bleed Easily
- Receding Gum Lines
- Discolored Teeth And/or Gums
- Gum Depressions
- Tooth Movement
Gum disease can be very damaging, but it can also be easily prevented with the right dental hygiene and regular checkups with a dentist.
Orthodontics
Many people associate braces and other orthodontic treatments with the aesthetics of straight teeth, but there are also many practical health reasons for having malocclusion (a misaligned bite) corrected. Orthodontics can alleviate problems with teeth crowding and prevent misalignment in the jaw. This can provide a number of benefits, including the prevention of gum and bone loss, tooth decay, worn tooth enamel, and TMJ/TMD pain.
Stafford, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Area Dental Care
If you think you may be suffering from one of these common dental problems and are looking for a dentist with experience treating these conditions, contact our office today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our procedures and treatment options. Our conveniently located Fredericksburg and Stafford dental offices allow us to serve patients from Spotsylvania, Massaponax and surrounding communities, so help is never far away. We can be reached by phone at 540-710-1088, or you can request an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you smile!