Dental Health

Dental Health

Comprehensive Dentistry in Waldorf, MD

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At Nesbit Center of Dental Excellence, Dr. Nesbit and her staff educate patients on the importance of good oral hygiene and dental health. We’ll take the time to understand your unique needs and determine the most beneficial treatments and dental products for you. Our state-of-the-art dental practice offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dental services to help you achieve optimal oral health and a striking smile you can’t get enough of. We welcome patients of all ages from Walford, MD and beyond to join our practice today!

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining optimal dental and oral health. Proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, is the best way to fight plaque and prevent against cavities and periodontal disease. Dr. Nesbit recommends brushing twice a day using soft bristles and for at least two minutes. Change your toothbrush once the bristles flare or after you’ve had an illness.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

With all of the products out on the market today, it can become difficult to choose which ones will work best for your dental health needs. Automatic, electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for most patients. We see the best results with the Oral B and Sonicare brands. Mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can also reduce tooth decay. They’re not for children under the age of 6.

If you have questions regarding brushing, flossing or selecting a toothbrush, contact our office today. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

Child Dentistry

A child’s first visit to a dentist office should occur after their third birthday. The appointment typically involves a brief examination and very little treatment. X-rays may be taken and we may clean your child’s teeth and apply fluoride to help protect against decay. We’ll evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking and review proper at-home care for your child’s teeth. Above all, we want your child to have a positive experience and develop a relationship with the dentist.

Nesbit Center of Dental Excellence is concerned with all aspects of preventative care. We use the latest dental technology to protect your child’s teeth against decay and help set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet and brushing regularly will help prevent cavities. Our office recommends routine brushing, flossing and rinsing, avoiding candy and sticky foods, and choosing nutritious snacks and drinks. For additional suggestions for cavity prevention, give us a call today.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that will gradually destroy the support for your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will help as dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Other factors that worsen the health of your gums include smoking, diabetes, stress, grinding teeth and poor nutrition. Good oral hygiene is such an important aspect of periodontal maintenance because adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than cavities.

Periodontal disease can easily go undetected, so if you have any signs of red, swollen or bleeding gums, contact our office today. We’ll quickly treat your gums to avoid further damage, including tooth loss.

Dental Specialties

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgery for the mouth, face and jaw. Their schooling prepares them to perform a wide range of dental procedures including all types of surgeries to bones and soft tissues in the face, mouth and neck.

Periodontist specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They devote their time and skills to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist will work alongside a dentist to ensure you receive the highest level of care. Together, they’ll give your gums the special attention and treatment they need and keep one another informed on your progress.

Endodontists are experts in root canal therapy and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. They also diagnose and treat tooth pain. In many cases, a diseased tooth or infected pulp can be saved with endodontic treatment.

Pediatric dentists go through additional training after dental school that focuses on managing and treating children’s developing teeth. They also specialize in child behavior, physical growth and their special dental needs. An office of a pediatric dentist is equipped and geared towards caring for children, helping to put them at ease.

Orthodontists go through an additional two to three years of education beyond dental school to become specialists in straightening teeth and aligning the bit. They utilize braces, retainers and other devices to gradually move teeth and correct your smile. Orthodontists also treat common dental problems found in kids, including crowded or overlapping teeth, problems with tooth development and more.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you are sleeping. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, preventing your brain and the rest of your body from getting enough oxygen. Normal breathing sometimes resumes with a startling, loud snort or sound. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, Nesbit Center of Dental Excellence will help you determine the best treatment option, whether it be a lifestyle change or a breathing device. Our practice will happily contact your insurance in regards to your sleep apnea. We will also recommend sleep studies.

TMJ disorders cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control jaw movement. Some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder include jaw pain, frequent clicking and locking of the jaw, and difficulty chewing. At Nesbit Center of Dental Excellence, we will evaluate your condition and decide if medication, a bite guard or physical therapy is the most beneficial option for addressing your problems.

For more information about dental health or our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (301) 705-9737.