Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. At Fusion Dental and Braces, we provide general dentistry services to ensure patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

General Dentist

Proper Oral Hygiene

Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also, be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep your breath fresh!
Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants and protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay often starts.
If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.
If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

Brushing Instructions

Step 1: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Step 2: Brush gently in a circular motion.
Step 3: Brush each tooth’s outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
Step 4: Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

Step 1:Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Step 2: Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Step 3: Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Step 4: Slide the floss up and down, repeating each tooth.

Printable Instructions

General Dentistry Services We Provide

Our office can address all of your dental needs in one place. Our dental care and support staff will ensure that all your dental care requirements are met in one convenient location. We offer the following comprehensive general dental care services:

Dental Fillings

Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, are most often made of silver amalgam. The strength and durability of this traditional dental material make it useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth.

Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.

Fluoride

Fluoride effectively prevents cavities, tooth decay, and plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

Sealants

Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially regarding those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against decay after permanent teeth erupt. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth than “baby” ones, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants last from three to five years, but it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let your dentist know and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed.

Diet and Oral Health

Your diet plays a big role in your overall health, including your mouth’s health. The foods and drinks you choose can help keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. But if you eat too much sugar or snack often, you can increase your chances of getting cavities or gum disease.

Foods That Are Good for Oral Health

Some foods help protect teeth and gums. They contain vitamins and minerals that keep the mouth strong and healthy.

1. Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent for your teeth. They contain calcium, which keeps your teeth strong. Cheese also helps balance the acid in your mouth and can protect against tooth decay.

2. Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery are good choices. These foods make you chew more, which helps clean your teeth naturally. They also increase the flow of saliva, which washes away food and bacteria.

3. Leafy greens: Foods like spinach and kale are high in calcium and other important vitamins. These help build strong teeth and fight gum disease.

4. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and other nuts provide important nutrients for teeth, such as calcium and protein. They are also low in sugar, which is good for your smile.

5. Water: Drinking water, especially tap water with fluoride, is one of the best things you can do for your mouth. It helps wash away leftover food and bacteria and keeps your mouth moist and healthy.

Foods That Are Bad for Oral Health

Some foods and drinks can hurt your teeth, especially if you eat them often or don’t brush afterward. They can wear down your enamel, cause cavities, or lead to gum problems.

1. Sugary snacks and drinks: Candy, soda, and sweet baked goods are high in sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid, which can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities.

2. Sticky foods: Gummy candies, dried fruit, and even some granola bars can stick to teeth. When food stays on teeth too long, it increases the risk of decay.

3. Acidic foods and drinks: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are healthy, but their acids can wear down enamel if you have them too often. Sodas and sports drinks are especially harmful because they’re acidic and sugary.

4. Starchy foods: Chips, white bread, and crackers can become sugar once they mix with your saliva. These sticky starches can get stuck between teeth and cause decay.

5. Too much snacking: Snacking throughout the day gives bacteria more chances to make acid. To protect your teeth, try to eat meals at regular times and avoid constant snacking.

General Dentistry FAQs

General dentistry forms the foundation of your oral health. Here are some frequently asked general dentistry questions.

How often should I visit a general dentist?

It is recommended to visit a general dentist at least once every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. Regular visits help catch potential issues early, improving oral health over time. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific dental concerns, such as gum disease or a higher risk of cavities.

What happens during a routine dental exam?

During a routine dental exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. They may also take X-rays to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. If any issues are found, your dentist will recommend the best course of treatment.

What is the purpose of a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot address. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. During the cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling fresh.

Can general dentistry help with bad breath?

Yes, general dentistry, also known as halitosis, can help with bad breath. Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Your dentist can help identify the cause of the odor and offer solutions, such as thorough cleanings, treatments for gum disease, or advice on maintaining fresh breath at home.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Dental X-rays are generally safe, especially with the modern digital systems used by most general dentists. These X-rays emit very low radiation levels, and your dentist will take every precaution to minimize exposure. Regular X-rays help detect problems not visible during a routine exam, such as cavities between teeth or bone issues.

What is the best way to prevent cavities?

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain a consistent oral care routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks and chewing sugar-free gum can also help protect your teeth from cavities.

We have four convenient locations in Bellmead, Killeen, Harker Heights, and the Hewitt office in Waco. Please visit our most convenient location for you.

General Dentistry Fusion Dental & Braces