GENERAL DENTISTRY in WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Dr. Bottoms provides complete general dental services to help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Routine dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of our general dentistry in Winston-Salem. When you visit with us on a regular basis, our team can provide personalized care and address any unique risk factors you may have for common dental health concerns.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and stable is important for many reasons, including the enjoyment of a healthy lifestyle and good overall physical health and wellness. We take the time with you to evaluate the condition of your smile and to screen for common concerns including signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers.
Preventive Dental Care in Winston- Salem
Our general dental services can help you maintain your smile for a lifetime. They include many of the treatments associated with your dental care visits, including conservative treatment of common problems that most patients will face during their lives.
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Routine dental exams are performed when you come in twice a year for your “dental checkup.” Dr. Bottoms will look for signs of developing problems and discuss any related medical conditions or lifestyle habits that can impact your smile.
Routine dental cleanings and exams are critical to maintaining oral hygiene. Our hygienists use a combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove stains and tartar from your teeth. We will also evaluate the health and condition of your gums, making recommendations as needed to address signs of disease.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings treat areas of decay or tooth cavities, restoring the integrity of a tooth. Dr. Bottoms offers natural-looking white fillings for a seamless result supporting long-term dental health.
Composite fillings allow us to restore decayed teeth to their natural beauty. Unlike older silver/amalgam fillings, composite resins create a strong, durable bond with the tooth.
Dental fillings can be placed at any age and are completed in one visit with minimal discomfort.
Dental Sealants & Fluoride Treatment
Dental sealants are recommended once the permanent back teeth with multiple cusps have erupted. This is typically around the age of 10. Sealing the deep grooves in your back teeth can prevent cavities. Adult patients who are prone to cavities can also receive dental sealants to support better dental health.
Fluoride is another treatment that helps to remineralize and strengthen your enamel. Fluoride is applied to the teeth after your dental cleaning.
Root Canals
Pain can occur when decay extends deep into a tooth’s center. A root canal is often required to treat and save the tooth. Dr. Bottoms will recommend a root canal whenever possible to save your natural tooth and the structure of your bite.
Today’s patients enjoy a root canal procedure that is less invasive and less painful, with most patients kept completely comfortable using a local anesthetic. In most cases, a dental crown will be placed after the root canal to support the tooth and prevent further deterioration.
Family Dentistry
Dr. Bottoms is a family dentist in Winston-Salem, providing comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. From the very young to patients enjoying their senior years, dental care is an important part of overall health and wellness care.
Dental care is important at every age and stage of life, but good oral health habits start with early visits to the dentist. We recommend that patients visit with us twice a year and that children have their first dental care visit once the primary (baby) teeth begin erupting.
Our team is committed to your patient experience, and we make every effort to provide care that is age-appropriate for our young patients.
As a family dentist, Dr. Bottoms strives to meet all of your oral health needs in one convenient location. We emphasize the benefits of routine preventive dentistry for the enjoyment of a healthy and comfortable smile.
Dr. Bottoms offers age-appropriate dental services that meet the needs of growing and changing smiles. Our dental care team makes patients of any age feel welcome and informed when they visit us for dental care.
Diet plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health. The food and drinks you consume directly impact the health of your teeth and gums. A healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. By making smart choices, you can protect your teeth and gums for a lifetime.
Diet and Oral Health
Everything you eat and drink comes into contact with your teeth and gums. Some foods can strengthen your teeth, while others can cause damage. Sugary and acidic foods, for example, can lead to tooth decay. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and produce acids. These acids attack the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth, causing it to weaken and break down over time. This leads to cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by decay.
On the other hand, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy teeth and gums. Calcium, for example, is essential for strong teeth, while vitamin C helps maintain healthy gums. By choosing a balanced diet, you can help protect your oral health and reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Foods That Harm Your Teeth
Certain foods and drinks can damage your teeth if consumed frequently. Sugary snacks like candy, cookies, and soda are some of the biggest culprits. Sticky candies, in particular, can cling to your teeth, allowing bacteria to produce acids for longer periods. Acidic drinks, such as soda and citrus juices, can also erode your tooth enamel. Even fruit, while healthy, can be harmful if eaten in excess without rinsing your mouth afterward, as it contains natural sugars and acids.
Starchy foods, like bread, chips, and pasta, can also contribute to tooth decay. These foods can break down into sugars in the mouth, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
Foods That Support Oral Health
Just as some foods harm your teeth, others can help keep them healthy. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great sources of calcium, which helps build strong teeth. Cheese also stimulates saliva production, which washes away food particles and neutralizes acids in your mouth.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help clean your teeth as you chew. These foods act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque and stimulating your gums. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals that support oral health, including calcium and vitamin C.
Drinking water is another simple but powerful way to support oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean. It also promotes saliva production, which is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.
Limiting Snacks
Snacking too often can increase your risk of tooth decay. Every time you eat, your mouth produces acids that attack the enamel. If you snack frequently, your teeth are exposed to acids throughout the day. By limiting snacking and choosing healthier options like fruits and vegetables, you can reduce the risk of cavities.
The Importance of Preventative Dental Care
Preventative dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a confident smile. It involves regular habits and visits to the dentist that help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become serious. By practicing good preventative care, you can save money, avoid pain, and protect your overall health.
What is Preventative Dental Care?
Preventative dental care includes daily habits like brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove food particles and plaque, a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. Flossing once a day helps clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
In addition to home care, seeing a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is important. Dentists can catch small problems early before they turn into bigger ones. During these visits, your dentist will clean your teeth, check for cavities, and look for signs of gum disease or other oral health problems. Most people should see a dentist twice a year, but some might need to go more often if they have certain conditions.
Preventing Tooth Decay and Cavities
One of the biggest benefits of preventative dental care is preventing tooth decay and cavities. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it produces acids that eat away at the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities, which are holes in your teeth. Cavities can be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to infections or even tooth loss.
By brushing and flossing regularly, you help remove plaque before it has a chance to cause damage. Regular dental checkups can also catch cavities early when they are easier to treat.
Protecting Against Gum Disease
Gum disease is another common problem that can be prevented with good dental care. It starts with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes redness and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that can damage the bone supporting your teeth.
Preventative care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, can help keep your gums healthy. Your dentist can also provide professional cleanings to remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dentist.
Saving Money
Preventative dental care can save you money by helping you avoid costly treatments later on. For example, treating a cavity with a filling is much less expensive than treating an infection or replacing a tooth. By taking care of your teeth and gums now, you can prevent the need for more serious procedures like root canals or dental implants.
Supporting Overall Health
Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease is connected to other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help reduce your risk of developing these serious conditions.