A great smile doesn't just happen. It takes consistent preventive care at home and with your Larchmont, NY. At Joel Levy DDS Laser-assisted Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, your dentist provides preventive treatments to aid your at-home care. Preventing problems is simply good for your smile.

Tooth loss

No one wants it to happen. But, unfortunately, missing teeth impact millions of Americans. The cause? Mostly, it's gum disease, says the American Academy of Periodontology; plaque, tartar, smoking, alcohol abuse and poor oral hygiene cause it to build up in your mouth. The resulting inflammation affects your whole body and appears linked to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health problems.

What can you do?

To keep your mouth healthy, practice good preventive care. This consists of:

• Brushing twice a day and flossing daily to reduce toxic plaque and tartar and the bacteria which cause decay and periodontitis
• Forming good dietary habits which limit sugar and increase fiber, low-fat protein and calcium
• Staying hydrated to avoid harmful dry mouth, increase anti-microbial saliva and rinse your mouth clean
• Stopping all tobacco
• Limiting how much alcohol you consume
• Wearing protective mouth guards for sports and if you grind your teeth

Keep all your six-month appointments with your dentist in his Larchmont, NY, office. During these visits, Dr. Levy scales your teeth himself, removing plaque and tartar. He also flosses and polishes your teeth and measures your periodontal pockets, the spaces between your teeth and gums (an indicator of gum health). If X-rays are in order, you'll get those, too, so your dentist can see what's happening below the gum line.

Then, Dr. Levy performs his exam. He uses visual inspection to uncover decay or issues with existing restorations. The inventive intra-oral camera reveals more hidden parts of the mouth. Dr. Levy will review his findings with you and make treatment recommendations, along with ways to improve your home care. He also offers fluoride treatments to harden tooth enamel and plastic sealants to coat molars, protecting them from decay.

If you take care of your teeth...

They'll help you live well. A healthy smile:

• Gives you a feeling of self-confidence
• Improves your digestion
• Helps you speak clearly
• Is well-aligned and strong
• Has little to no dental sensitivity
• Experiences little to no bad breath

Additionally, healthy teeth are less prone to chipping, cracking, and deep stains.

Keep smiling

At Joel Levy DDS Laser-assisted Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Larchmont, NY, your dentist delivers the latest in dental techniques, including preventive dentistry for excellent oral health. Find out more. Call either our Larchmont at (914) 834-9534 or New York City (212) 986-2287 office today! Ask about our unique Get to Know You Special.