Preventive Dentistry
At Parks Family Dental, we believe prevention is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy and functional for life. Our team promotes prevention and patient education so you and your loved ones know how to properly care for your smiles and decrease your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other conditions.
Preventive dentistry can change a person's life and preserve their smile's function, beauty, and vitality. We perform full-mouth examinations and recommend a home care regimen based on your specific needs and smile goals.
At our Mauldin dental office, our hygienists and dentists provide the following preventive dental care:
- Regular oral exams, typically every six months
- Teeth cleanings
- Oral cancer screenings
- Routine dental x-rays
- Periodontal (gum) treatment
Dental Cleanings and Exams
As family dentists, we consider dental cleanings and exams our bread and butter. Our experienced and compassionate hygienists are here to help your smile sparkle and your gums remain healthy and strong. In addition to providing exceptional care, our team takes the time to get to know you personally, and we value the relationships we develop with our patients.
Many members of our team have been with us for years, so our patients have the opportunity to look forward to catching up with us whenever they come in for a dental checkup. We usually recommend oral exams and teeth cleanings every six months, but some patients may benefit from more frequent visits.
For example, if you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, they may schedule more frequent visits for deep cleanings, perhaps every three months.
The frequency of exams and cleanings a patient needs depends on their medical history, and the condition of their teeth and gums, and more. Our dentists have decades of combined experience and knowledge, and you can trust we will always respectfully and truthfully advise you on what's best for you.
Sealants, Fluoride, and Fillings
Sealants and Fluoride
We use sealants and fluoride treatments as preventive barriers for our younger patients to shield their teeth from overaccumulation of food particles and plaque. Some of the natural grooves in our teeth are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing, which is why we recommend regular cleanings, sealants, and fluoride if needed.
Sealants and fluoride decrease the likelihood of cavity development in vulnerable teeth susceptible to decay. We recommend sealants or fluoride for children whose adult teeth just came in, but some adults may find sealants helpful too.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
We fill cavity-stricken teeth with tooth-colored fillings to protect them from further decay or damage. Tooth-colored fillings are a composite resin material that matches the shade of your tooth, so the filling looks and feels completely natural. Fillings allow you to chew, speak, and smile without discomfort or pain.
Oral Hygiene at Home
To maintain healthy teeth and prevent plaque buildup, you should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once. We also recommend avoiding foods and drinks high in sugar and starch and drinking fluoridated water to protect your teeth from cavities and bacteria.
Finally, it would be best to have professional teeth cleanings with a dental hygienist, who can also give you expert tips on at-home dental hygiene.
Preventive Dental Care in Mauldin, SC
Everyone deserves to have a healthy and attractive smile they're proud to share. At Parks Family Dental, our gentle dentists and hygienists are welcoming and nonjudgmental so you can feel comfortable and safe in our care.
Even if it's been a while since you've seen the dentist, we encourage you to contact us so we can help you get your oral health on track. You can contact our Mauldin dental office today to schedule a convenient appointment that fits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
As family dentists, one of our goals is to partner with parents to assist them in protecting their child’s oral health. Many of our daily choices affect your child’s smile, such as their home care routine and diet. Here are the most common ways you can help your child prevent cavities.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene at Home
Practicing good oral hygiene begins even before your baby gets their first tooth. To clean their mouth, gently rub a warm washcloth or wet gauze on their gums to remove bacteria. When their first teeth come in, you can start brushing their teeth with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.
As they get older, you can use very small amounts of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth. For parents concerned about using fluoride toothpaste, you can ask your dentist to use xylitol toothpaste instead.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Helping your child eat a balanced diet and assisting them with brushing and flossing can ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy and bright. Instead of sweets or potato chips, opt for carrot sticks or fresh fruit.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
In addition to consistent brushing and flossing, your child must see the dentist to ensure they don’t have cavities or other dental health issues. We recommend seeing children every six months for routine checkups and cleanings by the time they turn one year old.
Please contact us today to schedule your child’s dental visit at Parks Family Dental.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and functional throughout your lifetime. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing between teeth clears away plaque and bacteria. Still, only a dental professional can thoroughly remove cavity-causing substances from your teeth.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
At Parks Family Dental, we take preventive dental care very seriously. We want you and your loved ones to experience the joy of strong and glowing smiles, so we highly encourage our patients to get regular dental cleanings every six months.
Some patients may require more frequent teeth cleanings, especially if they have gingivitis or gum disease. Dental cleanings allow our team to remove plaque, tartar, and other particles from the mouth so your teeth and gums remain free of decay and disease.
What to Expect at a Dental Cleaning
Before we clean your teeth, we take digital dental x-rays to make sure there are no underlying issues we can’t see during a visual oral exam. We also screen for oral cancers and review your hygiene routine and any concerns you may have.
The dental hygienist then uses special, painless instruments to clean the surfaces of your teeth, between your teeth, and all other nooks and crannies your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. The hygienist may also perform a periodontal chart so they can assess your gum health and clean below the gumline if needed.
Finally, we polish your pearly whites, and you can leave our dental office with a tidy and spotless grin.
If you need a teeth cleaning, give us a call today!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Lyle Parks
Dr. Lyle Parks is a hometown dentist who was born and raised in Greenville, SC. Inspired by a close family friend, Dr. Parks discovered his love for helping others have healthy smiles at a young age.
He’s a proud Riverside High School alumni, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Citadel. In 2011, he graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Parks is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and CEREC Doctors Study Club.
One of ...
Preventive Dentistry Technology
Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras are an essential piece of technology we use to show our patients and us the interior of their mouths without using a mirror. Intraoral photography provides sharp, fixed focus so we can see all of the nooks and crannies of your teeth and detect any dental health problems early.
During your appointment, either Dr. Parks or one of our friendly hygienists uses a small, slender camera for quick and accurate diagnostics. With a few clicks of a button, we can see your entire oral cavity and develop a personalized treatment plan based on our findings.
Digital X-Rays and Sensors
Our handheld digital sensors comfortably and efficiently capture high-resolution x-ray images. We use digital sensors to collect essential details about your oral health for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Instead of wearing a heavy vest to protect against radiation or standing next to a large, intimidating machine, you can relax in the dental chair while we use the digital sensor.
Your dental x-rays are available instantly, and we can view them together on a computer monitor. We can even magnify or adjust images on the screen to have a more detailed look at your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures.
Finally, digital images are easier to store and share with our patients as needed.