Preventive Dentistry Bullard

Oral Health Linked to Overall Health

Your gums are the gateway to the rest of your body -- and that means what goes on in your mouth can easily be affected by or affect your overall well-being. Taking care of your periodontal (gum) health is of the utmost importance for enjoying a complete smile for life. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems, respiratory issues, and other serious side effects. That’s why brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly are truly as important for your overall health as it is for your smile!

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Most adults experience some amount of tooth decay. We're trying to combat that. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the number one way we help you fight tooth decay. After thoroughly examining your smile for concerning signs and symptoms, we can remove deposits of plaque and bacteria that attack your teeth and cause cavities. Regular dental visits can help fight chronic bad breath as well. We can show you better home care habits to prevent bad breath from being a big problem.

You can help us help you by following these simple guidelines for maintaining oral health:

• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride when brushing your teeth. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Gentle brushing protects your gums from irritation and damage.
• Floss once a day. This removes decay and gum disease-causing debris from between your teeth, which brushing alone can miss.
• Follow healthy nutritional guidelines. Your diet affects your oral health, and eating a diet rich in important nutrients can help protect your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Avoiding a lot of sugary foods will help prevent decay.

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Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease

It’s estimated that at least 80% of the population has some degree of gum disease, and most don’t know it. Gum disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss, and it does not give clear warning signs that an untrained eye would notice. Dr. Tad Morgan and his highly trained staff can perform a thorough and complete examination to detect your gum disease, especially in its early stages. Gum disease is similar to high blood pressure or heart disease; by the time the person who has it notices symptoms, it’s in its advanced stages. Once we’ve detected gum disease, we can provide periodontal therapy to restore you to good health.

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Nightguards for TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common condition that can lead to dental damage, facial pain, constant headaches, and even the development of TMJ disorder over time. In order to protect your vulnerable smile and overall well-being, Dr. Morgan may recommend a custom oral appliance that’s better known as a “nightguard.” Nightguards provide barriers against grinding and minimize damaging effects while the patient sleeps soundly. Alternative treatment options like occlusal adjustments are available as well if needed.

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Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a serious health condition, causing severe bodily damage and even the loss of life in many instances. In fact, nearly half of the people diagnosed this year won’t go on to survive five more years. This happens because oral cancer often isn’t located and identified successfully until it’s already reached advanced stages. That’s why our Bullard team has made in-depth screenings a vital part of every patient’s routine check-ups. We’ll scour the mouth for signs that point to cancerous cells, helping you take the next steps towards the valuable information and treatment you need as soon as possible.

Athletic Sportsguards

Do you participate in a sport where physical contact is possible with other people or hard surfaces? Wearing an athletic sportsguard is a must, or your smile could suffer the consequences. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all mouthpiece from the store, consider pursuing a custom model from Dr. Morgan and the rest of our team here in the Tyler, TX area. We’ll ensure an ideal fit, allowing you to breathe, speak, and move your jaw freely while still being well-protected.