Protecting & Preserving Your Oral Health
The key to a healthy mouth is prevention. With expert dentists like ours, it can be simple and easy to fight disease and decay, but without proper care, minor issues can turn into severe ailments. To prevent this, we offer comprehensive general and preventative dentistry services. Explore our guide to learn more.
Oral Hygiene
When we ask you if you’ve been brushing and flossing regularly, we only stress oral hygiene so much because it really is the foundation of a healthy smile. Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of oral diseases like gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay (dental caries). Lucky for you we have some of the kindest, gentlest hygienists in Iowa that can give you advice on how to keep those pearly whites clean and healthy (and, of course, pearly white).
Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontitis) has stages that worsen the decay goes untreated. Gum disease is preventable and can be treatable and reversible when caught early. The earliest stage is known as gingivitis. We can often reverse the effects with a deep-cleaning or simple daily hygiene changes.
Your Regular Visits
At Oelwein and West Union Dental Associates, our doctors are passionate about dentistry and people. We care about our patients as people and strive to get to know every patient individually to provide the best, most comfortable experience possible. Regular dental visits are important for your health, but should be relaxing and convenient as well.
In order to best serve your needs, it’s important that we have a comprehensive understanding of who you are as a person. This includes things like your:
- Lifestyle & diet
- Oral hygiene habits
- Dental & medical history
- Current medications & allergies
- Fears & concerns
- Finances & insurance
- Health & aesthetic goals
This information will give us insight into why you may be having dental problems and even help us predict and prevent future problems. For example, some patients are still prone to cavities and decay regardless of how often they brush and floss. With this information, we can provide personalized advice and services to prevent decay effectively.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Unfortunately, oral cancer rates have been rising in the US due to increased HPV infections. Your dentist will perform a routine oral cancer screening during each appointment, checking for abnormalities in and around the mouth and jaw. Diagnosing oral cancer in the early stages gives you the best possible chance at survival and recovery.
TMJ Therapy
Some of the worst body pain to experience is facial pain. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) occurs when the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull becomes misaligned or injured. Our doctors in our Oelwein and West Union offices are trained to identify TMD and have the solutions necessary to help alleviate your pain.
Sleep Apnea and Mouthguards
We offer customized mouthguards to help alleviate an array of issues. For example, they can help prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea, a debilitating sleep disorder. In addition, mouthguards can protect your teeth from sports-related injuries and grinding (bruxism). Our customized guards offer comfortable and high-quality protection.
Emergency Dental Care
While everyone should have a great general care dentist, sometimes accidents happen, and you require an expert emergency dentist. Fortunately, at our offices, you’re always guaranteed both! So whether you’re suffering from a lost tooth, severe pain or toothache, or infection, we can treat you quickly and effectively. Your safety and health are always our main priorities when providing emergency dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain my smile’s oral health?
To maintain good oral hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It’s also recommended you floss daily and rinse with mouthwash in between meals. Be sure to schedule dental cleanings twice a year to help your dentist maintain your healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Why are my gums bleeding whenever I brush my teeth?
Gums that bleed are a common sign of periodontal (gum) disease and won’t go away without professional dental treatment. This is caused when there’s a build-up of plaque due to poor oral hygiene, which can cause further issues with your teeth. With gum disease, your gums become red and swollen due to infection, causing permanent damage to your smile. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to receive periodontal treatment for gum disease.
What’s causing my teeth to be overly sensitive or painful?
Tooth sensitivity is caused when the dentin — the layer beneath your enamel — or tooth roots have become exposed. There are various factors that can cause tooth sensitivity:
- Your tooth roots are exposed due to receding gums
- Teeth have become injured due to nighttime grinding (bruxism)
- Damage to your teeth or enamel has caused severe sensitivity
Does dental insurance help cover general dentistry?
Yes! Most major dental insurance companies either fully or partially cover the cost of general dentistry services. Still, it’s recommended you contact your provider to get a clearer understanding of your benefits. Be sure to also ask your dentist if their office offers any financing options to help cover any out-of-pocket costs for your dental treatment.
Smiles Are Built to Last: Let Dr. Kruger Help!
A smile can last a lifetime, but not without the help of a professional dentist. Let Dr. Kruger handle all of your dental needs with our general dentistry services. Call our Oelwein, IA office at (319) 283-4222 or our West Union, IA practice at (563) 422-6292 for more information. We also serve patients in Hazleton, Fairbank, Douglas, and Eldorado, IA. We look forward to keeping you and your smile in tip-top shape!