Family Dental Care in Alexander City

The Dental Health Connection

Not only does keeping our teeth and gums healthy help us enjoy pretty teeth and fresh breath, research continues to prove the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. Sometimes called the ‘gateway to health’, inflammation related to tooth decay, abscesses, gum infections and other dental disease can cause complications for patients that have medical illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. And, dental problems are among the top reasons why children miss school.

Preventive Dentistry

The American Dental Association® recommends that patients see their general dentist regularly for dental exams and preventive teeth cleanings. During these visits, Dr. Holder will carefully examine your teeth and gums to look for signs of tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. She will recommend digital x-rays as needed to check areas that are not visible, such as between the teeth or below the gum line.

Dr. Holder will also look for unusual bumps or discoloration on the cheeks, tongue and soft tissue during your dental exam; these are concerns that should be closely monitored to rule out oral cancer.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Infection)

Bacteria in the mouth are constantly at work. They thrive on sugars and carbohydrates and can quickly create a layer of sticky dental plaque on the tooth surfaces. Plaque contains harmful acids that damage the teeth and gums; if plaque is not removed, it will mineralize into hardened tartar (tooth calculus) that cannot be removed by regular brushing. Harmful activity and toxins from plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay or gum infection.

• Learn more about good dental nutrition habits.

With a gum infection, inflammation and infection develops in the soft tissue around the teeth, which causes the gums to bleed. This early stage of gum infection is called gingivitis.

As the gum infection progresses and spreads, the gums recede away from the teeth and eventually, the infection will damage the jawbone. This stage of gum disease is known as periodontal disease. Without support from the jawbone, teeth become loose and eventually will be lost.

During your regular exam visits, Dr. Holder and our dental hygienists will measure the areas between the teeth and the gums (periodontal pockets) to look for gum recession and deepening pockets between the teeth and gums. These are signs of periodontal infection. Other signs of periodontal disease are: chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, or a bad taste in the mouth. Surprisingly, periodontal disease does not usually hurt; it is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss.

Periodontal infection may be treated non-surgically if it is diagnosed early. Dr. Holder and our dental hygienists will perform a procedure known as ‘root planing’. After the area is comfortably numb, Dr. Holder and the hygienists will clean the tooth surfaces below the gums to help eliminate the infection and encourage healing.

Dr. Holder may refer patients that have extensive periodontal disease to a periodontist, a dentist that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.

Protecting your child's baby teeth is very important! Baby teeth have an important job; they hold the space for the permanent teeth until they are fully formed and ready to erupt. Regular exams and cleaning visits will help us monitor your child's development and allow us to address any concerns as early as possible.

We recommend bringing your child in for regular teeth cleanings when they can sit safely in the dental chair. We like to make these visits fun and entertaining, so they will always look forward to going to the dentist's office.

In addition to regular teeth cleanings, we may recommend sealants for your child's permanent molar teeth. The plastic sealant material is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth to ‘seal’ any deep pits or grooves that cannot be cleaned by regular tooth brushing. This helps prevent bacteria from penetrating the tooth surface and causing a dental cavity.

If your child does develop a cavity, Dr. Holder will treat the tooth with a dental filling. Large cavities can lead to painful abscesses and infection, which are a serious health risk for children.

Adult Dentistry

Most adults have had a tooth extraction, filling or dental crown in their lifetime. If you require procedures to rebuild or replace teeth, don't let fear keep you away! Our team will make sure you are completely comfortable at each and every visit. Learn more about Rebuilding Your Smile.

Emergency Dental Care

If you are experiencing tooth pain, please Contact Our Dental Office right away. If you have severe swelling or have a traumatic injury to the mouth or jaw and are unable to reach us, go to the nearest hospital emergency room for care.