Preventive Dentistry
Dr. Melissa Kenfield has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering preventing dental problems.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Kenfield has averaged 60+ continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout her career; the minimum requirements for the state of Indiana are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!
“Great Service. My favorite dentist office. Kind staff.”
Dr. Melissa Kenfield, with a high-tech implant dental office located in Spencer, is always educated and informed on the latest and greatest dental technologies and trends.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is vital to maintain oral health. Only by combining regular check-ups with good oral hygiene will patients avoid dental problems and expensive visits to the dentist.
Every patient has bacteria in their mouth. Some bacteria are beneficial, but others can damage the oral tissues. Cavities and gum disease begins when harmful bacteria accumulate in the teeth and gums’ surface, developing dental plaque. This plaque, aided by the sugars and starches you consume, generates an acid that disintegrates the oral tissues. The acid attacks the enamel, which is the “teeth’ bodyguard” against decay. When that protection is gone, your teeth are vulnerable. In the same way, bacteria attack your gums, causing inflammation, which leads to gum and periodontal disease.
Every patient, no matter their age, is vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Taking proper care of your oral health must start early in childhood and continue throughout every stage of your life.
Prevention For Children
Almost half of the children under 11 years of age have had cavities in their baby teeth. And 32% between 9 and 11 years have decayed their permanent ones.
These figures may cause alarm to some parents, which is why we encourage parents to teach their kids the importance of preventive dentistry. Young children are particularly prone to cavities and gum disease. Babies’ and young kids’ diets usually include heavily-sugared fruit juices and formulas that contribute to the development of decay.
Preventive dentistry in young kids will help timely identify dental problems and avoid worse conditions that often require expensive treatment.
Dr. Kenfield suggests parents bring their child in for an examination before turning one year old and schedule regular check-up visits.
These visits will typically involve:
Before the first dental visit, parents can also help with the following:
OR CALL (812) 829-4886 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.
Prevention For Teens
As children grow up and become teenagers, cavities are still an issue, and the role of the parents keeps being essential. Teaching teens to maintain proper dental hygiene and help them build healthy habits is vital for their oral and overall health. Parents should not neglect to bring their children in for routine cleanings and exams every six months. Dr. Kenfield will ensure every teen patient keeps their smiles bright and healthy.
Other tips for parents are:
Prevention for Adults
Keeping your children’s oral health in check is essential, but keeping your own is just as important. Below, we listed some tips to maintain a healthy, bright smile and prevent severe dental conditions:
OR CALL (812) 829-4886 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.
(812) 829-4886
