Most Common Dental Problems & Solutions

common dental problems St. Petersburg FL

4 Common Dental Problems 

Dental problems are never fun. However, the good news is that you can prevent most problems. Many dental problems can be solved by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly, and regular dental check-ups with Dr. Brian Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way towards prevention. Here’s a list of some of them: 

Bad Breath 

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be quite embarrassing. According to the Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame.These dental conditions include: 

  • Gum disease
  • Cavities
  • Oral cancer 
  • Dry mouth
  • Tongue bacteria

Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when there is a dental problem will only mask the smell and not cure it. If you have a chronic bad breath, please visit your St. Pete dentist to rule out any of these problems.

Decay of the tooth

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is second only to common cold as the most prevalent disease in the United States. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on the teeth, is combined with sugars and/or starches in the food you eat. This combination produces acids that attack the enamel tooth.

You can get cavities at any age.  As you age, you can develop cavities as your tooth enamel erupts. Dry mouth due to age or medication may also lead to cavities, explains our friend and the best dentist in Shreveport LA, Dr. Ben Kacos. 

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and going to your regular dental check-ups.

Eating healthy foods and avoiding high-sugar snacks and drinks are also ways to prevent decay. Your dentist may recommend additional treatments that may help to reduce your risk.

Gum Disease (Periodontal)

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a gum infection that surrounds the teeth. It is also one of the main causes of tooth loss amongst adults.

Everyone is at risk for gum disease, but it usually occurs after 30 years of age. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and dry mouth. Symptoms include bad breath, red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing.

If you have any signs of gum disease, you should see your dentist and possibly get a deep cleaning St. Pete dentist, Dr. Leeson says. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two major stages of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups with at least twice daily brushing and flossing play an important role in the prevention of gum disease.

Toothache and St. Pete Emergency Dentist 

While many toothaches and dental emergencies can easily be avoided through regular visits to the dentist, accidents can and do occur. It can be very painful and scary to have a dental emergency.

Common problems that require an emergency visit to your dentist include a broken or cracked tooth, abscessed tooth, or an accident tooth.

If you have a fractured or dislocated jaw or severe cuts to your tongue, lips, or mouth, go to the hospital for trauma treatment. If you have a tooth abscess that causes difficulty swallowing, or if you have developed a fever or facial swelling, take emergency care as well.

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry

If you are experiencing any of these four dental problems, it may be time to visit us. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Leeson so he can get your oral health back on track.

How Fluoride Fights Cavities

how fluoride fights cavities - St. pete dentist

How Fluoride Fights Cavities

Practicing good oral hygiene should be a high priority, especially for adults. For some, worrying about their teeth as well as their children’s can be difficult. Only about 32% of people say they are “concerned about the appearance of their teeth”. However, there are many dental problems that affect millions of people around the world. Fluoride treatments have become a common choice in the dental community, but the average dental patient is not fully aware of the ins and outs of this type of dental treatment. St. Pete dentist, Dr. Leeson, shares how fluoride fights cavities and improves oral health! 

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral present in most food and water—the use of this mineral helps prevent tooth decay and improves tooth enamel.

What is the Primary Application of Fluoride Treatment? 

Fluoride can either be applied to the teeth via toothpaste and mouthwash, it can be ingested through water and some meals, and it can also be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish.

When are Children Expected to Start Using Fluoride? 

Many dentists in St. Pete agree that it is necessary for infants and children between 6 months and 16 years of age to be exposed to fluoride. There is a timeframe between six and 16 when permanent teeth come in, so it is important to reinforce them as much as possible during that time by using fluoride.

Should Adults get Fluoride Treatment?

Studies have shown topical fluoride applications create a significant benefit for adults with moderate to high cavities. Georgetown, KY dentist, Dr. Kristina Neda, says fluoride can help protect the margins of restorative work such as crowns or bridges. Therefore, fluoride treatments are recommended for adults! Dr. Brian Leeson adds that fluoride could be just the thing to keep your neglect from leading to cavities between your teeth.

Will the Treatment with Fluoride have any Other Benefits?

Yes! If you or your child have a history of recurrent cavities, dry mouth problems, or gum disease, additional fluoride may provide great dental benefits. While it’s crucial that you’re at least a little knowledge about what’s going on in the dental world, your best bet is to consult a dental professional. Visit a St. Petersburg FL dentist for all your dental needs.
We always prioritize our patients’ health, safety, and comfort. If you have some kind of toothache and need emergency dentistry in St. Petersburg, FL, please contact 4th Street Family Dentistry today.

Celebrating National Brush Day

National Brush Day - 4th street family dentistry

Celebrating National Brush Day

Is it really a coincidence that National Brush Day is on November 1, right after Halloween? Definitely not! Halloween comes with candy, lots and lots of candy. Many parents tend to get a little obsessed with ensuring that their children’s teeth get back in shape. This is where brushing comes in. While it is the most effective way to clean our teeth and keep them free from plaque and bacteria, brushing too much can also be a problem. 

The following are a few good practices the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends for children and grownups to keep in mind when brushing their teeth. We’ve also added some bad practices to avoid while brushing your teeth.

Good Dental Hygiene Practices

Brushing Teeth the Proper Way

Dr. Chris Green, the best dentist in Parker, CO, emphasizes that brushing your teeth involves a lot more than a few up-down and right-left motions using your toothbrush. First, you need to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Follow this up with back and forth strokes on your teeth, making sure you clean the chewing surfaces as well as the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth with the same series of gentle motions. 

Focusing on the Invisible Sufaces

After you’re done brushing the tooth surfaces that are visible, you can now attend to the inside surfaces on the back of your front teeth. It should be noted that some dental complications, such as dental caries, originate from the back surface of your front teeth. Dentists in St. Petersburg state that it’s important to ensure that you remember to clean that area. Effectively but gently brushing your teeth using the proper technique two times a day, every day is good for your gums and teeth and tough on plaque and bacteria, which ensures optimal oral health. 

Choosing the Right Brush Size

When choosing a toothbrush for your child, you should remember that the one size fits all rule does not apply here. Your child’s toothbrush must not be too big or too small for their mouths. Making sure you choose the right size ensures your child does not experience discomfort while brushing. Moreover, using the right size toothbrush makes it easy to clean your child’s teeth properly as it reaches all the parts of the mouth. 

Family dentists in St. Pete also recommend investing in a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, as it’s good for your teeth. This is because fluoride prevents cavities from developing and also prevents tooth decay. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush.

Flossing Your Teeth

Emergency dentists St. Pete adds that flossing rids your mouth of the plaque that is on your teeth. This prevents plaque buildup. In addition to this, flossing also helps prevent gum disease and takes care of both your gums and teeth.

Visiting Your Dentist, Dr. Brian Leeson, After or Before National Brush Day

Making a trip to your dentist 33704 for your annual checkup at least twice a year ensures that any issues or problems you might have with your teeth are well taken care of. They may also provide you with extra tips to help keep your teeth healthy.

Bad Dental Practices to Avoid

Brushing Immediately After Eating

Brushing your teeth after eating candy or consuming a meal may end up causing more harm to your teeth. This is because when we eat, the enamel of your teeth tends to soften and stay like that for about half an hour after you’re done eating. During this time, your enamel is weak, which means that if you brush your teeth, it may be scraped away together with plaque and bacteria. 

This National Brush Day, refrain from rushing your children to brush their teeth immediately when they are done eating. Waiting half an hour will give their enamel time to sufficiently harden before they brush, thus protecting their teeth.

Using Toothbrushes with Hard Bristles

Hard-bristled toothbrushes not only cause bleeding of your gums and pain, but they also damage your teeth enamel. Damaged gums may loosen their teeth grip, which may result in loss of teeth. It is, therefore, important to avoid getting hard bristled toothbrushes for your kids or using them yourself.

Not Brushing for the Proper Amount of Time

Effectively brushing your teeth requires at least two minutes. The two minutes ensure that your teeth are properly exposed to the toothbrush’s cleaning action. 

Using an Old Toothbrush

Frayed toothbrush bristles can damage your gums and teeth. If your toothbrush is more than three months old, then you need to get a new one to help you remove all that plaque buildup from your Halloween candy that’s on your teeth. This National Brush Day, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry to keep your smile bright and your teeth right!

Signs It’s Time to Visit the Dentist

Signs it's time to visit the dentist - 4th Street Family Dentistry

Signs it’s Time to Visit the Dentist in St. Petersburg

Has it been awhile since you went to visit the dentist for a dental examination? We get it, life can be busy. If you don’t experience any tooth pain, it’s all too easy to skip those regular appointments. Perhaps you have a fear of the dentist? 

Did you know that those dental examinations and professional cleanings can actually help to prevent the majority of dental issues? If you’ve neglected or avoided going to the dentist, consider these signs, it’s time to visit the dentist.

Pain, In Teeth or Gums

A toothache can range in severity from mild to excruciating. Whether the tooth pain comes and goes or is constant, this is usually a sign of a tooth infection. Pain should be indicative of needing to see Dr. Leeson, an emergency dentist in St. Petersburg.

The inflammation and discomfort that you’re feeling are likely due to a cavity and other serious decay. These issues will not usually resolve on their own. Don’t delay coming in to see your St. Petersburg dentist until the pain is unbearable. A small cavity can be treated with a dental filling, but more advanced decay could need a root canal or dental crown.

Pain in the Jaw, Signs of Bruxism

Do you grind your teeth while you’re sleeping? This condition, known as bruxism, is quite common. Many of us don’t know that we grind our teeth in our sleep until someone points it out to us. It can lead to pain in the jaw, cavities, and even cracks on your teeth. It is also, of course, possible that the pain in your jaw is being triggered by a cavity and an abscess in the tooth.

Gum Irritation and Bleeding

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? It is possible that you are too aggressive when you brush. But it could also be indicative of an issue with your gums. Gum disease, in all of its stages, is thought to have an impact on more than half of the adults living in the United States. If you have swelling, redness, and signs of developing a tooth abscess, along with loose teeth, you may have periodontitis. During your visit to the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, we can address the gum disease and offer a dental treatment plan that will improve your oral health.

Constant Dry Mouth

Does it feel like your mouth is always dry? Ruling out any other potentially serious medical concerns, such as diabetes, it could be that you’re struggling with dry mouth. Without enough saliva in the mouth, there is an increased risk of decay. This is because the saliva in our mouths helps to neutralize acids, and naturally rinse away food debris and bacteria. It also aids in digestion. A visit to your St. Petersburg dentist can help to identify the source of your dry mouth. Dr. Lesson can also recommend solutions while identifying any cavities or other damage that will require tooth repair.

Struggles with Bad Breath

It’s normal to experience a bit of unfriendly breath after your morning cup of coffee, or perhaps a garlic-dense meal. However, if brushing and flossing don’t seem to do anything to resolve your bad breath struggles, it could be that you have something else that needs to be addressed.

Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, says that bad breath could be as the result of a cavity, gum disease, or other serious medical conditions. The fastest way to resolve it is with a visit to your dentist, to rule out and address the potential issues.

Preventative visits and routine cleanings can keep your teeth healthier between visits, and help to keep pain at bay. If you have any questions about your oral health or our dental services in St. Petersburg, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry today! We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns. 

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Cavities

ways to prevent cavities

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Cavities

All you hear is, brushing and flossing will help keep cavities away. Yet, you find one in four adults in America with tooth decay while half the teenage population either have or had cavities. Having a good oral regimen can prevent cavities and help maintain both teeth and gums. Brian Leeson DMD from 4th Street Family Dentistry discusses the measures individuals can take to keep cavities away:

Know your risk of developing cavities

Your dentist can help you determine your cavity risk level by conducting a thorough dental exam. The exam will analyze the current state of your oral health and its risk to cavities. As you continuously go to your dentist for regular visits, they will be able to detect bacteria forming immediately and suggest preventative dentistry measures to take to fight the cavity. This can be changing your oral regimen and or diet. 

Brush regularly 

Brushing cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to fighting cavities and tooth decay. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria that are looking to pounce at the opportunity to multiply and lead to decay. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes to ensure you keep the bacteria at bay while also getting rid of harmful bacteria.

Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, adds that When brushing, you want to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. This is so it doesn’t harm your gums. Brush with gentle circular motions and go from one end to the other. Once you are done with your teeth, be sure to also brush your tongue because bacteria can build upon it.

Focus on your diet

It may be hard to go without your daily cup of tea or coffee but you may have to. Coffee and tea are both acidic which are not good for the teeth. Acidic food is as bad as sugary foods. Both increase the risk of cavities so you need to control your diet and limit consumption of both. As you reduce your intake, you should consider drinking more water. Water consumption helps flush bacteria out of the mouth while also distribute the nutrients properly. 

Develop a habit of flossing

Flossing isn’t fun but it does keep your teeth and gums healthy. Most people think that brushing is enough but there are parts of the teeth you can’t reach with the brush, specifically between the teeth. Floss lets you clean out any food particle stuck between teeth and in the outer part of the gums. You don’t have to floss after every meal but try to do it at least once a day. 

Quit smoking

Smoking and tobacco are known to cause numerous diseases which include mouth cancer. Smoking leads to bad oral hygiene and makes your mouth more susceptible to bacteria leading to cavities. If you want to take care of your mouth and you smoke, quitting would be the first step. 

For anyone looking to improve their oral health in St. Petersburg, FL, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry. The team consists of experienced dentists and dental assistants that can help treat and prevent cavities and help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

Everything You Should Know About Dental Sealants

dental sealants

Everything You Should Know About Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are generally used to prevent tooth decay. It is a thin plastic coat that is painted on to the surface of the teeth, specifically the chewing part, and forms a protective shield for the enamel. The purpose of the sealant is to ensure that food particles don’t easily get lodged in the nooks and crannies of yout teeth. While both brushing and flossing do this also, there are times when you don’t do either properly so particles remain and lead to bacteria build-up and decay.

Who Should Consider Getting Sealants?

Sealants help to prevent decay in the premolars and molars due to bacteria cultivation in the groves. Therefore, it is recommended for teenagers and children. Children are prone to cavities from 6 to 14, the sealant protects them from it. At times if children younger than 6 have deep grooves in their teeth, a dentist may recommend getting a sealant. 

How is Sealant Applied?

The application of sealants is painless and simple. Your dental hygienist can do it in a matter of minutes. The process starts with the cleansing of the mouth and teeth. The hygienist will perform a dental cleaning to have them prepped for the sealant. 

The teeth are then dried off and an absorbent material such as cotton is placed around them so the teeth remain dry. To help the sealant bond to the teeth, an acid solution is applied to the teeth after they are rinsed and dried off.

The sealant is then brushed on to the tooth enamel and it bonds and hardens to it. Your hygienist may also use a curing light to ensure it hardens properly. 

What is the Lifespan of Sealants?

Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, says that with proper care, sealants can effectively protect your teeth for up to 10 years. Your dentist can check up on their condition to ensure there are no chips or wear each time you visit them. 

Are Sealants Covered by Insurance?

Depending on your dental coverage, sealants can be covered in the insurance plan specifically for children under the age of 18. You can contact your dental insurance company to check if they cover sealants. 

Where to Get Sealants?

While the process of getting sealants isn’t complex, you still want to make sure you go to a dental clinic you can trust. The dentists in St. Petersburg, FL at 4th Street Family Dentistry can help you get the dental care you need. They have been serving the city of St. Petersburg for decades, helping individuals achieve their best smiles. 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

how to prevent tooth decay

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is also referred to as caries or dental cavities. It describes permanent damage to the hard outer surface of your teeth that results in holes or tiny openings. Research shows that nine in ten adults in the U.S. have ever had cavities, so this makes tooth decay one of the most common health problems people of all ages face. Should you, therefore, resign to having this problem as part of your reality? Our dental care experts at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Petersburg FL don’t think so and urge you to implement the following recommendations to keep tooth decay at bay.

Brush Properly, Regularly and Using the Right Toothbrush

The simplest things, like brushing correctly and frequently, can have the most profound positive effect on your dental and overall health.

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg FL, explains that there are millions of microbes in your mouth. These microbes feed on the remains of what you eat or drink. As the bacteria feeds, it creates an acidic biofilm (plaque) that sticks on your teeth. If you don’t brush regularly (at least two times every day), dental plaque will allow bacteria to remain in contact with your teeth for longer and tooth decay will progress rapidly.

It is therefore important for you to brush correctly using the right toothbrush (a soft-bristled one) using fluoride toothpaste for a minimum of two times each day. This way the plaque-formation process can be halted.

Floss Every Day

Brushing is often inadequate in cleaning the spaces between your teeth. An interdental cleaner, such as dental floss, is necessary to get rid of the food debris trapped in these tiny spaces between your teeth. When done correctly, flossing can prevent cavities since bacteria will not have any food to feed on and grow.

Cut Back on Acidic and Sugary Drinks

We have already mentioned that bacteria feeds on the residues of what you put in your mouth. Acidic and sugary drinks are the worst culprits in terms of allowing bacteria colonies to multiply rapidly.

For this reason, St. Pete dentists recommend that you reduce the amount of sugary or acidic drinks you consume. These substances include soda, citrus juice, and alcohol. Such a step will save your teeth from being attacked by the acids in those drinks or the acidic residues left behind.

Eat Healthy

Proper nutrition is important in keeping tooth decay and other dental health problems at bay. For example, the vitamins and minerals that are contained in vegetables, fruits, dairy, and other food groups will provide the nutrients needed to mineralize your teeth. This means your teeth are more likely to fight off any infections that develop.

In the same vein, emergency dentists in St. Petersburg advise that you refrain from snacking frequently between meals. This is especially true if you like sugary snacks. Those snacks keep sugar on your teeth and that results in acidic damage to the surface of those teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

It is very important for you to visit your dentist in St. Petersburg FL regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.

A comprehensive exam by a St. Pete dentist will rate your tooth decay risk. That assessment will determine how frequently you need to visit 4th Street Family Dentistry. For example, if an existing medical condition increases your risk for tooth decay, Dr. Brian Leeson may recommend you come in every three or four months. If, however, your risk for cavities is low, then the frequency of visiting a general dentist in St. Petersburg FL will be lower.

The other advantage of visiting the dentist regularly is that the hygienist will have an opportunity to advise you on how to tweak your brushing and flossing techniques. This would be in light of any potential problem areas that are observed during the professional dental cleanings. Acting on the advice given will result in a reduced risk for tooth decay.

Get Dental Sealants

Another key way to reduce the chance of developing tooth decay is by getting dental sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The sealant forms a protective shield that prevents acids and bacteria from damaging the teeth. Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence NJ, says that while dental sealants are very common among kids, people of all ages, including adults, can benefit from them.

Use Mouthwash

If you are particularly prone to tooth decay, the St. Pete dentist may recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash. You can use this on a daily basis to keep bacterial activity minimal in your mouth. Even without a specific recommendation, you can buy an antibacterial over-the-counter mouthwash. Use this to rinse your mouth at home after brushing and flossing.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum is helpful in fighting to keep cavities at bay. This gum helps increase the production of saliva in your mouth, thereby neutralizing any acids quickly. Saliva also regulates the pH levels in your mouth. This means that it gets harder for bacteria to thrive there. Buy sugarless gum that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. 

You don’t have to fight tooth decay on your own. We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact 4th Street Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation. Your healthy smile is just a call away!

What to Expect During a Dental Visit

What to expect during a dental visit - 4th Street Family Dentistry
What to expect during a dental visit - 4th Street Family Dentistry

What to Expect During a Dental Visit

It’s recommended that you visit your dentist in St. Petersburg, Fl, every six months for a comprehensive exam and cleaning. These visits are necessary for optimal oral health. In this article, we discuss what happens during these routine dental visits.

Your Routine Dental Checkup Visit

As already mentioned, this visit normally occurs every six months or at intervals recommended by your general dentist in St. Petersburg, FL. You can expect the following to take place at your next visit with 4th Street Family Dentistry.

The Professionals Who Will See You

You are likely to be treated by two professionals, a dental hygienist, and your St. Pete dentist. Our hygienist is the first professional who will see you. He or she will examine your gums and note down any parts of your mouth that need to be looked at more. The hygienist will also document any changes to medication that you are taking for any health conditions that you have. Then, they will talk to you about your brushing and flossing techniques. Your hygienist will then clean and polish your teeth thoroughly.  

Once those questions have been answered, your St. Pete dentist will come to see you. Dr. Brian Leeson will examine your oral structures and look into any concerns you or your hygienist had during the initial exam. He will also review how well the hygienist cleaned your teeth, and the dentist will conduct further checks, such as for oral cancer and any other disease. If any oral health problems are observed, Dr. Brian Leeson will make treatment recommendations and discuss them with you. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your oral health.

Teeth Cleaning

While you can keep the accumulation of plaque minimal by flossing and brushing at home, only a professional can clean your teeth and remove the tartar (hardened plaque) that inevitably builds up. Your hygienist uses a variety of metallic hand tools to clean your teeth thoroughly. Dental professionals recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months.

Teeth Polishing

Your hygienist at 4th Street Family Dentistry will then polish your teeth using a mild abrasive and fluoride. This leaves the surface of your teeth sparkling clean and free from calculus. 

Educational Information

The hygienist is also likely to give you further instructions on how you can take better care of your oral health at home. These instructions will arise from the observations made during the initial exam and the queries you raise as the hygienist is attending to you. The general care instructions are also likely to be brought up by Dr. Brian Leeson as he talks to you.

X-Rays

You may or may not need to have x-rays done during your routine dental visit to 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Petersburg FL. The decision to have x-rays done will depend on your dental history, the results of the oral exam and your level of cavity risk.

Treatment Recommendations

If the oral health exam reveals a dental health problem, Dr. Brian Leeson, a general dentist in St. Petersburg, will recommend the most appropriate measures to take to deal with that problem. For example, he may ask you to come back to the dental office to have cavities filled or he may refer you to a specialist (such as an orthodontist) for the care you need.

Undergoing a Comprehensive Dental Exam

Dr. Brian Leeson explains that patients normally undergo comprehensive dental exams when they visit a new dentist or it’s time for their annual checkup. This exam may include some of the following:

Soft Tissue Examination

The tongue, the roof, and the floor of your mouth, and the inside surface of the cheeks and lips constitute the soft tissues inside your mouth. The dentist in St. Petersburg will take a close look at these soft tissues. Additionally, Dr. Leeson will look at the back of your mouth to check for any lesions, growths, swelling, or cuts that could point to a potential oral health issue.

Gum Tissue

Dr. Brian Leeson, an emergency dentist in St. Petersburg, will pay special attention when examining your gums and other support tissues around your teeth. Any sign of gum disease, such as swollen or red gums, may prompt the St. Pete dentist to recommend immediate treatment or refer you to a specialist.

Occlusion

This refers to how well your lower and upper teeth come together when you close your mouth. Georgetown KY dentists at ThoroughDent Smiles explain that occlusion can be examined by asking you to bite down on a piece of wax so that the impression left is analyzed. Alternatively, the dentist in St. Petersburg may simply look at the way the teeth meet to ascertain whether you have any occlusion problems. 

Clinical Teeth Examination

The experts at 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Petersburg FL will also look at each of your teeth during this comprehensive exam. The purpose of this close examination is to check for cavities or to confirm that any dental work (crowns, fillings, and dentures, for example) are defect-free. St. Pete dentists often use dental explorers to identify which sections of enamel are healthy and which bits are decayed.

X-Rays

You are also likely to have dental x-rays done during a comprehensive dental exam. These help the dental care professionals take a close look at your teeth and other structures, like the roots of the teeth. In this way, tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental health problems will be caught early. As you can see, the specific activities that will be focused upon during your oral exam will depend on whether it is a routine dental visit or a comprehensive exam visit. When was the last time you visited your dentist? If you have taken more than 6 months, call today to schedule an appointment at 4th Street Family Dentistry so that Dr. Brian Leeson and the team can examine you. You will be given treatment recommendations so that your oral health can be maintained at peak levels.