What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. It plays a vital role in maintaining overall health—strong oral health supports better systemic health and overall well-being.
What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a trained professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent oral health issues. At Affinity Family Dental, our dentists have completed extensive education and hold either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree.
Some dentists pursue advanced training in specific areas. For example, a pediatric dentist specializes in caring for children from infancy through adolescence, with additional training tailored to young patients’ needs.
Other dental specialties include:
Endodontics – root canal treatment
Oral & Maxillofacial – surgery, radiology, and pathology
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics – braces and teeth alignment
Periodontics – gum health and treatment of gum disease
Prosthodontics – restorations, implants, and tooth replacement
Why Is Visiting the Dentist So Important?
Regular dental visits do more than keep your teeth and gums healthy—they support your overall health as well. Consistent checkups at Affinity Family Dental help you:
Prevent tooth decay before it becomes painful or costly
Reduce the risk of periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
Control bad breath by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth
Maintain a confident, attractive smile
Keep teeth brighter by preventing stains from food, beverages, and tobacco
Strengthen and protect your teeth so you can enjoy a healthy smile for life
My Teeth Feel Fine—Do I Still Need to See a Dentist?
Even when your teeth feel normal, dental issues can develop quietly and go unnoticed until they become serious. Regular checkups allow us to detect concerns early and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
With modern advancements in dentistry, you never have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. At Affinity Family Dental, you have access to a wide range of treatment options, including:
Professional teeth whitening
Tooth-colored fillings that blend naturally
Dental implants, crowns, bridges, and full smile makeovers
What should I look for when choosing the right dentist for me?
Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
- Is the appointment schedule convenient?
- Is the office easy to get to and close by?
- Does the office appear to be clean and orderly?
- Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
- Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
- Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?
- Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?
How can I take care of my teeth between dental checkups?
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask our team whether you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
- Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth and can cause more plaque and potential cavities), and avoid tobacco (which can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
- Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! This will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months of age and no later than one year. During this time, your son or daughter’s baby teeth will be coming in and we can monitor the health of those first few teeth. After the initial visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
How Often Should I See the Dentist?
Children, teens, and adults should visit us for a routine checkup at least every six months. Patients who are at higher risk for gum disease, oral cancer, or severe decay may need more frequent visits. During your appointment, we’ll help determine the ideal schedule for your ongoing care.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole that develops in a tooth due to decay. It forms when plaque on the tooth surface interacts with sugars and starches in your food, producing acids that erode the enamel.
If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious oral health issues. The good news: brushing twice a day and flossing once daily can help prevent them.
What Is a Filling?
A filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth after decay has been removed. The procedure is generally comfortable because we numb the area with a local anesthetic.
Fillings can be made from materials such as composite resin, gold, or ceramic. If you need one, our team will help you choose the best option for your smile.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes plaque, keeps your gums healthy, and helps prevent cavities.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least one minute brushing the upper teeth and one minute brushing the lower teeth. Don’t forget your tongue—it helps keep your breath fresh.
When Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Toothbrushes naturally wear down with daily use. Adults and children should replace their toothbrush every three months. If you use an electric toothbrush, check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended replacement timing.
Patients with gum disease may need to replace their brush every four to six weeks to minimize bacteria. Always rinse your toothbrush with hot water after brushing, and replace it immediately if you have been sick.
What is gum disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics.
Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. If detected, it is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition.
Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting our office every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit us regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Our team will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure your teeth stay clean and healthy while you’re wearing braces.
How do I schedule my next checkup?
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.