At Beelman Dental, our patients come first. We want to hear your concerns, calm your fears, and share whatever information we can that will keep you healthy and smiling.
Many people are unaware how closely linked the health of the mouth and the overall health of the body really are. Preventing cavities and gum disease by brushing, flossing, and keeping regular professional cleaning appointments with Dr. Beelman help build your immunity to bad bacteria that, left untreated, travels from the gums to the bloodstream and into the main lifelines.
Oral hygiene is your main line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and potential for other critical medical complications that can follow. Our logical minds know we need to brush our teeth twice daily and floss each day, but when busy schedules get demanding, dental routines can be one of the first things pushed to the bottom of the list. Fortunately, our outstanding hygiene team understands. We share knowledge, techniques, and tools that help keep your smile clean and healthy between visits and give you a gentle yet thorough professional cleaning twice a year to eliminate plaque or tartar you may have missed. We also offer fluoride treatments for a little extra cavity protection.
Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss for adults. When left untreated, gum disease can potentially contribute to development of at least 52 serious systemic diseases including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. If your gums bleed during regular brushing or flossing, you already have early-stage gum disease known as gingivitis – but there is good news! Gum disease is preventable, treatable, and reversible. Treatment for gum disease varies on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of infection and tissue damage. If you only have gingivitis, we can likely reverse it by stepping up your oral hygiene routine and regular professional cleanings. When gum disease is more severe, there are other options such as scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning treatment below the gum line. If Dr. Beelman recommends gum disease treatment, he will go over all the details with you – and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Sealants are thin coatings of plastic attached to the chewing surface of the back teeth. Since they cover the pits and grooves where cavities are likely to form, sealants decrease likelihood of cavity progression. Sealants typically last an average of about three years. If Dr. Beelman recommends sealants, he will discuss them in detail with you.
Oral cancer typically remains undetected and undiagnosed until its late stages, and as a result is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While alcohol and tobacco are still viewed as the most common major risk factors for oral cancer, alarming current research shows another risk factor outweighs those two factors combined – HPV (human papillomavirus). 79 million Americans currently have HPV; most sexually active adults contract the infection during their lifetime, and many never even know they are infected. As a result, regular oral cancer screenings have become a priority – so keep your appointments with Beelman Dental to remain proactive in fighting cancer!
Beelman Dental believes a healthy smile is your greatest asset. If anyone in your family suffers from TMJ, teeth grinding (bruxism), or is in active in contact sports, Dr. Beelman strongly recommends using a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth, jaw, and head. Inexpensive stock mouthguards at the sporting-goods store are not custom-made, so they don’t fit well, are not comfortable, and are less likely to be consistently worn when needed. Custom-made mouthguards provide the highest levels of physical comfort as well as protection against oral injuries, potential tooth loss, and even concussion damage.
If you have any questions about general dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment with your Bedford general dentist, Dr. Beelman at Beelman Dental, give us a call today at (817) 587-8830 or request an appointment online below. We’ll take the time to make you smile!
