Reynolds Dental Practice 

Preventive Dentistry

A toothbrush used to be the only tool in fighting tooth decay and gum disease.  Now preventive checkups, teeth cleaning, sealants, oral cancer screening and fluoride treatments are all available to out patients.  Healthy teeth and gums aren't a luxury.  They provide self-confidence and peace of mind.  Quality preventive care can give you the smile you've always dreamed of.

Why should you floss?

Flossing removes plaque-a sticky, germ-containing substance that builds up on your teeth and gums to cause gum disease-as well as debris that can adhere to teeth and gums and in between teeth.  Floss is the single most important weapon against plaque.

How to floss:

• Wrap the ends of an 18" to 24" section of floss around your middle fingers.
• Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers. Leave about 1" of floss between your hands.
• Gently work the floss between your teeth.  When you reach the gumline, curve into a "C" shape around the tooth, making sure to go below the gumline.
• Gently glide the floss up and down several times between each tooth, including your back teeth. Apply pressure against the tooth while flossing. Unwind new floss as needed.
• Your gums may bleed for the first week until the plaque layer is broken up, bacteria are removed, and your gums heal.

Periodontal (Gum) Therapy

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases and is a risk factor for many systemic diseases, such as, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection and causes a lost of supporting tissues of the teeth.  With regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated and maintained before advancing to a more serious condition.

Send mail to reyn154@bellsouth.net with questions or comments about this web site.