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Preventative Dentistry

Use Preventative Dentistry to Protect Your Smile

It is always better to prevent oral health problems than it is to treat them after they occur. That is our guiding principle here at First Dental Associates.

Our Reading, MA dentist, Dr. Sadeghi, knows the best ways to:

  • Provide you with a long-lasting, healthy smile through regular dental cleanings
  • Catch potential threats before they can do any damage during dental exams
  • Protect your smile during activities or from teeth grinding with a custom mouthguard (students get theirs for free!)

Appointments

Learn more about Preventative Dentistry

CALL 781-423-8138

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Keeping Your Smile In Top Condition With Dental Cleanings And Exams

After you meet our friendly expert staff during your first visit, we’ll take some quick and easy digital X-rays of your mouth. Next, you’ll meet Dr. Sadeghi as she evaluates your digital images and discusses the best treatment plan for you.

In most cases, you will then receive a detailed and comprehensive cleaning. Our office uses:

  • Air abrasion to get your teeth as clean as possible with the least invasive technique
  • Visual oral cancer screening, with the option of a VELscope screening to fully examine the condition of your smile

If needed, we can set up financing as well. All in all, the first visit usually lasts around an hour and a half.

Q: What is the best toothbrush to use?

A: There are a lot of options out there when it comes to toothbrushes, but making the right choice is actually fairly simple. You need a soft-bristle brush that is the right size for your mouth. Typically, adults need a toothbrush with a head that is half an inch across and an inch long, but this can vary based on the size of your mouth. Look for a toothbrush that provides adequate coverage to the surface of your teeth, but is not so big that you have difficulty reaching the back of your mouth.

Beyond size and bristle firmness, everything else is a matter of personal preference. So find a toothbrush you like and that keeps your teeth and gums clean, and go with it.

Providing Extra Care With Sealants And Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride Varnish Treatment

Fluoride is an important part of good oral health, especially when it comes to preventing tooth decay. Although you are likely getting fluoride from your toothpaste and even tap water, sometimes you need a reinforcement. Here’s how we do that at our office:

  • We cover your teeth with a thin layer of fluoride.
  • You will leave the varnish on as directed and then remove it with a vigorous brushing.
  • The fluoride from the varnish will bond with your enamel, strengthening your teeth.

We can also provide convenient fluoride treatment trays for a take-home preventive dental care solution.

Dental Sealants

Another way to protect your teeth from decay is by using dental sealants. A sealant is a thin layer of resin that we literally paint onto the chewing surface of your teeth, usually your molars. The sealant fills in the natural cracks and fissures in your teeth where bacteria and lingering food particles can cause tooth decay.

Testimonials

“My experience with everyone at First Dental Associates is always great. The entire staff are very professional as well as personable. My hygienist, Sue, always takes extra care in making sure I’m getting the best results from my visit.”

• Richard G.

MORE TESTIMONIALS

Protecting Your Teeth With Custom Mouthguards

Teeth grinding at night, known as bruxism, can be a serious threat to your oral health, as well as cause jaw and neck pain and headaches. The wear and tear inflicted on your teeth by grinding can be reduced or stopped with a nightguard from First Dental Associates.

Nightguards

Many people who notice chipped or cracked teeth, but don’t remember when the injury occurred, damaged their teeth while they were sleeping. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night will cause your teeth to chip, crack and even break. To keep you from seriously damaging your teeth, we recommend a dental appliance called a night-guard, which protects your teeth from grinding and clenching in your sleep. Our team takes great care in making sure you have a proper fit to prevent pain in your jaw joint. Do you suffer from headaches? You may find that a side benefit of your night-guard is headache prevention. Many headaches start during the night, caused by the extreme pressure generated as you grind and clench your teeth.

Ask our team about having a night-guard custom created for you.

Mouthguards

If your child plays sports or other similar activities, mouth guards are a great way to protect their teeth from potential injury. They are easy to clean, come in many color combinations and are custom made to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth.

We also provide athletic mouthguards, including Under Armour mouthguards and our own in-house mouthguards, to protect your sports lovers from dental injuries. In fact, students get their athletic mouthguard free! Just bring in your student ID!

Under Armour Mouthguards

Improve your athletic performance with a custom mouthguard! Under Armour® Performance Mouthwear helps enhance strength, endurance, and reaction time; reduces athletic stress; and, protects from jaw impact. Used by Olympians and professionals, the mouthguard improves ability and protects in many sports, including football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, wrestling, baseball, golf, tennis, cycling, and running.

Q: What is the safest athletic mouthguard option?

A: There are many options for athletic mouthguards, but for the most comfort and protection, you need a mouthguard that is custom fitted and built specifically for your mouth.

Sleep Apnea

If you or a loved one snores, you are likely aware that snoring often accompanies fitful sleep. Severe snoring may also be a sign of a more serious problem like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when an individual stops breathing for an extended period of time during sleep. Snoring happens when the soft palate relaxes to the point of cutting off the airway. Snore appliances are designed to comfortably hold the airway open during sleep. There are a wide variety of snore appliances available to you. Let Dr. Sadeghi select the right one that fits your needs.

Call 781-423-8138 to make an appointment for Preventive Dentistry for yourself or your whole family today. We serve Reading, MA and the surrounding areas. You can also use our online form to easily contact us.