Protecting your smile

It has been said that prevention is the best medicine. This is especially true when it comes to your oral health. Andrew Spath, DDS, and staff are dedicated to protecting your oral health through patient education and preventive care.

A healthy mouth is the foundation for a beautiful smile. If it has been some time since you have seen a dentist, there may be issues such as gum disease, rampant decay, or mouth sores. When you see Dr. Spath as new patient, he will focus on restoring your oral health. Once all health issues are addressed, various cosmetic procedures can be used to transform the appearance of your smile, if you wish.

Whether you have retained your attractive, healthy smile or it has been restored, you naturally want to keep it that way. There are steps you can take to preserve both health and the appearance of your smile:

• See your dentist regularly. The importance of regular professional cleanings and monitoring oral health cannot be over-stressed.
• Drink water. Coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, lemonade, fruit juice, and red wine can cause decay or stains (fortunately, the stains can be bleached out with teeth whitening). Most of these cause both!
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush after every meal and floss once daily – this simple procedure is one of your best weapons against decay and gum disease. Avoid brushing your teeth for one hour after consuming high-acid food or beverages, to avoid damaging softened enamel – rinse well instead.
• Don't smoke. Cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco are among the most common cause of stains. They can also lead to mouth cancer, decrease your healing rate, and increase your risk of developing gum disease.
• Wear a mouth guard. These simple devices can prevent serious oral trauma when playing contact sports. If you have restorations such as porcelain veneers, which may fracture easily, this is especially important.
• Don't grind your teeth. You may have this habit (of clenching jaws) during stressful moments. If so, conscious effort may be sufficient to stop yourself. However, if you grind your teeth during sleep, you will need a night guard. Grinding teeth, known as bruxism, causes your teeth to wear down, and increases your risk of TMD.

Together, you and Dr. Spath can keep your smile dazzling and healthy for life. Call (949) 612 2356 today and schedule an appointment.

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