Oral Health Care and Prevention
Dentistry Built on Relationships, Honesty, and Trust
Preventative Dental Program Options
It’s much easier to maintain healthy, natural teeth and teeth that have been restored when your mouth is clean and your exposure to harmful foods is limited. The prevention care program at Iowa Dental Group is designed to decrease the chances of new cavities and protect teeth that have been restored. We also take steps to manage and prevent periodontal disease.
During your first visit, we’ll review proper oral hygiene techniques with you, and we’ll continue to reinforce them throughout your oral care journey.
We recommend the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft-bristle toothbrush aimed at the gum line
- Floss every night in an up and down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid sticky sugary foods
- Eat a balanced diet
- Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed
- Sealants are placed on young permanent teeth
We pride ourselves on our Preventive Dental Program. Contact us today at (515) 277-6358.
How to Brush Your Teeth!
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Tooth Brushing
Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums.
Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back-and-forth rolling motion. Move the brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using back, forth, and rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
Tilt the brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth & use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.
Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Researchers have established that thousands of microbes grow on toothbrush bristles and handles. Most are harmless, but others can cause cold and flu viruses, the herpes virus that causes cold sores, and bacteria that can cause periodontal infections.
Flossing
Flossing is a very important daily step in maintaining good oral hygiene. Dental floss is a thin string that can be waxed, unwaxed, plain, or flavored. The technique can be awkward to do at first, but with practice, flossing will become easier and, together with brushing, should be a part of one's daily routine.
The proper technique used in flossing is to wrap the floss between the thumb and forefinger of both hands, and beginning with the molars, wrap the floss around each tooth, working it up and down several times on each side of the tooth. This motion will remove food particles and, more importantly, it will remove the plaque that builds up. Flossing may cause some minor bleeding at first, but after a few times, the bleeding should stop. Flossing should be done at least once a day, in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Fluoride Treatments
Why Is Fluoride Important To Teeth?
Fluoride is absorbed into structures, such as bones and teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to fractures and decay. A process in your body called "remineralization" uses fluoride to repair damage caused by decay.
How Do I Get Fluoride?
Just drinking public water will provide a certain measure of fluoride protection. But for years, health professionals have endorsed the practice of supplementing our intake with certain dietary products, and topical fluorides in many toothpastes and some kinds of rinses. Certain beverages, such as tea and soda, may also contain fluoride. Certain kinds of dental varnishes and gels may also be applied directly to teeth to boost fluoride intake.
Fluoride at Your Dental Office
At each of your dental visits, until the age of 18, your dentist or hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth. This concentrated fluoride should remain on your teeth for one minute and should not be rinsed away for at least half an hour. This fluoride will strengthen the enamel and make your teeth more resistant to decay.
Dental Sealants
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to protect them from cavities. As there are small pits in the grooves in the teeth, food and germs can get stuck and can stay there for a long time. This, in turn, can lead to tooth decay. Sealants help by filling in the grooves and keeping food from getting stuck.
Why are They Needed?
While sealants can be placed for both children and adults, they are often placed for children on their permanent molars as soon as they come in. In conjunction with proper brushing and flossing, along with regular trips to the dentist, children can avoid tooth decay and the need for fillings.
Our Award-Winning Services
We provide patients with outstanding dental services, ongoing care, and education to ensure their smiles stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Restorative Care
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Root Canal Therapy
Dentures
Children's Dentistry
Periodontal Care
Dental Emergencies
Family Dentistry
Night Guards
Snoring Appliances
Extractions
Actual Patient Reviews
We have so many terrific reviews it's impossible for us to list them all! Thanks for supporting Iowa Dental Group with your gratitude.
Dental Office Location
Iowa Dental Group prides ourselves on offering the highest quality dentistry at a fair and reasonable fee.
Iowa Dental Group Des Moines
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-6358
office@iowadentalgroup.com
https://www.iowadentalgroup.com
Iowa Dental Group Contact Form
Our Des Moines dentists, Bob Margeas DDS & Nicholas Economos, are eager to help provide any answers you may have. Contact us today regarding optimal oral health.
Dentist Office Hours
Our dentists look forward to answering any dentistry-related questions or dental concerns you may have regarding your overall oral health and smile.
Office Hours
| Monday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Thursday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Friday: | Closed |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |