The Healthy Mouth | Adult | Teen | Children

The Healthy Mouth | Adult | Teen | Children | Infant

Dr. Robin Vaughan and Dr. Shaun Williams
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
(616) 891-8931
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A Healthy Mouth For Adults

Did you know your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body?

Neglecting proper care and removal of the harmful bacteria in the mouth can cause infection in the gum tissue. This infection has been linked to systemic problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

<<Click on the picture left to learn more.

OPTIMAL ORAL HEALTH

Glen Valley has designed a tool to help patients know the condition of their gums and teeth. (Right) is a sample of the "score sheet". This score is based on an optimal, or less than optimal, scale. This scale is our version of a dental report card. The score sheet is given to patients at their initial and regular appointments. Optimal is the ideal level in which your gum tissue and teeth should be functioning. Glen Valley Dentistry's team is dedicated to assessing patients' oral health and assisting them in achieving or maintaining an optimal level.

Are you at risk for cavities (decay)?

1. Have you needed a filling in the past 3 years?
2. Have you not been to a dentist in the last year ?
3. Do you hold anything in your mouth for 2 minutes or more? (i.e. mint, candy, cough drops)
4. Do you drink pop - diet or regular?
5. Are you on any medication or have a condition that would cause dry mouth? (breathing treatments and inhalers included)

**How did you score and what does it mean? >check it out next to the blue arrow.

**If you answered yes to 1-2 you are at moderate risk for decay (cavities)
**If you answered yes to more than 2 you are at high risk for decay (cavities)

If you scored moderate or high we recommend you use a prescription strength toothpaste designed to give extra protection to those more susceptible to cavities. Glen Valley has products to purchase at our office for your convenience. Click on the arrow to see a list.

A Healthy Mouth For Teens and Children

brushing teeth
Brushing twice a day morning and night and after sugary snacks

Not sipping on pop throughout the day.

Having sealants placed on the teeth help prevent cavities on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. (See Below)

Click on picture left to view a video on the need and procedure for sealants.

When to expect- teeth coming or going

toothchart

**Adult molars will come in behind the primary (baby)teeth
around 6 and 12 years.

A Healthy Mouth For Infants

It is recommended to bring your infant to their first dental
visit near their first birthday.

Before your child even gets teeth it is a good idea to wipe out there mouth with a fresh damp washcloth to remove residual milk sugars from the tissue and get your baby used to a cleaning routine in their mouth.