Oral Wellness
A Healthier Mouth = A Healthier You
Start your journey to wellness in Hagerstown, MD
Our Preventative Services
At our office in Hagerstown, MD, dental cleanings and exams serve as fundamental preventive treatments. We prioritize your smile’s well-being by:
- Removing plaque and tartar (dental calculus) during teeth cleaning to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Assessing the condition of your gums and bone to ensure optimal oral health.
- Thoroughly floss and polish your teeth.
- Conducting dental X-rays to detect any signs of decay or infection.
- Examining your smile for potential dental conditions or diseases that may pose harm.
With our comprehensive cleaning and examination approach, we aim to keep your smile problem-free and promote overall dental wellness.
We offer two types of dental exams to meet your needs.
Our comprehensive oral exam thoroughly assesses all oral tissues and is recommended for new patients on their first visit and every 3-5 years for existing patients. This 90-minute exam includes evaluations of your gums, teeth, bite, X-rays, and TMJ.
For ongoing care, periodic exams during regular cleanings monitor changes in your dental and overall health.
Did you know that dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%? Our dentists and hygienists can help protect your teeth and your child’s teeth from decay with this preventive treatment.
A dental sealant is a protective coating made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material. It is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, creating a barrier that blocks out bacteria and food debris, effectively preventing decay and cavities. The sealant also smooths the natural pits and grooves of the teeth, making them easier to clean with regular brushing.
At Potomac Dental Centre, we empower our patients to prevent dental issues through simple and effective measures like fluoride treatments. Fluoride, a natural mineral, combats harmful bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel, fortifying it against decay.
During dental hygiene visits, many of our patients opt for fluoride treatment. After removing plaque and calculus (tartar) during your cleaning, we apply the fluoride treatment to seal and protect the enamel.
Our fluoride treatments offer prevention for up to 6 months from the application, effectively safeguarding against tooth decay. Take advantage of this protective measure and enjoy enhanced dental health.
Our team prioritizes early detection of oral cancer, which affects areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and palate. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. During routine cleanings and exams, our team conducts thorough oral cancer screenings using advanced technology, including the VELscope, to detect abnormalities early and protect your health.
At Potomac Dental Centre, we use PerioPath testing to identify harmful bacteria in your mouth to help us prevent and treat periodontal disease, tooth decay, and related health risks.
This proactive approach addresses bacteria linked to serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. By offering targeted treatments, we protect both your oral and overall health.
Your preventative health matters. Here at Potomac Dental Centre, we take a whole-wellness approach and focus on your overall health. Our passionate dental hygienists can identify the harmful bacteria in your mouth by utilizing saliva testing. They look at your unique risk factors and can create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Treatments may include oral rinses, prescribed antibiotics, deep cleanings, and more. Together we can bring your mouth back to health and prevent disease.
Our Scaling and Root Planing service goes beyond a standard cleaning. This deep-cleaning approach removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach. By reducing the harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease, we also help minimize the systemic inflammation tied to concerns like heart disease and diabetes.
Whether you’re looking to address existing gum issues or prevent future complications, Scaling and Root Planing is a crucial step toward achieving a brighter smile and a healthier body.
At Potomac Dental Centre, we understand that dental visits can be overwhelming for some patients, which is why we offer Sedation Dentistry to help you feel relaxed and at ease. Our approach alleviates the fear/anxiety of procedures, allowing you to receive the oral care you need without the stress or discomfort. With sedation options ranging from mild oral sedatives to IV sedation, we tailor the experience to your unique needs so you can sit back, relax, and let us take care of the rest.
Our goal is to make every patient’s visit a positive one, and that starts by creating a comfortable environment where anxiety has no room to grow. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more complex treatment, we’re here to ensure your journey to oral wellness is stress-free.
How Does Oral Wellness Impact My Health?
At Potomac Dental Centre, we believe oral wellness is the foundation of your overall health. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream, contributing to over 57 serious health issues, including heart disease, dementia, stroke, and diabetes. That’s why we go beyond routine cleanings to offer specialized treatments that target inflammation and bacteria to help you live a healthier and happy life.
Gingivitis
Approximately 70% of the population suffer with infection and inflammation in their gums that leads to tooth loss and other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Unfortunately, it often develops silently, with little to no symptoms until it progresses. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Swollen, tender, or shiny gums
- Red, puffy gums
- Loose or missing teeth
Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (Gum Disease) is what happens when Gingivitis is left untreated. Periodontal disease has all of the same risk factors that Gingivitis (above) has as well as loss of Jaw Bone.
Jaw Bone Loss
The bacteria that is found in periodontal disease is vicious and can eat away at your jawbone. This could result in the loss of all teeth and deterioration of the bone so severe that it takes away one’s eligibility for dental implants.
Specialized Gum Disease Treatments
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums contributing to over 57 serious health issues. That’s why we go beyond routine cleanings to offer specialized treatments that target bad bacteria to help you live a healthier and happier life.
- Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing): Removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gumline to prevent further damage.
- Personalized Oral Wellness Plans: Tailored recommendations to maintain a healthy mouth and reduce the risk of recurring inflammation.
- Advanced Saliva Testing: Tools like MyPerioPath® to detect harmful bacteria and assess your risk for systemic health issues.
By addressing gum disease early, we can help you regain control of your oral health and overall well-being.
Why Invest In My Oral Wellness?
Investing in your oral wellness provides more than just a healthier smile. The benefits include:
- Preventing Tooth Loss: Protects gums and supporting bone structure.
- Reducing Health Risks: Lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other systemic conditions.
- Improving Comfort: Reduces gum inflammation and tenderness.
- Fresher Breath: Eliminates persistent bad breath caused by oral bacteria.
- Saving Money: Prevents costly and extensive dental treatments by addressing issues early.
Supporting Overall Health: Promotes a healthier body by reducing inflammation and bacterial spread.
3-Step Plan for a Healthier You
ASSESS Your
Oral Health
TREAT to Optimize
Your Health
MONITOR Your Oral Health to Ensure Lasting Success
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Your oral wellness is the key to a healthier, happier you. At Potomac Dental Centre, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with friendly, compassionate, and expert care. Don’t wait, schedule your visit today, and let us help you protect your smile and your health.