Whether you need a periodic adult dental exam and cleaning or a full mouth restoration, Ridgeview is here to make sure dental problems don’t slow you down. Our accomplished and forward-thinking team delivers the most personalized care experience in Southeastern Wisconsin, making patient education a core part of our practice. As a result, in addition to leaving with healthier mouths and cleaner teeth, our patients leave more knowledgeable and more confident for whatever comes next. Call us today to set up an appointment.
If you need treatment that’s outside the scope of our practice, we have a network of specialists to whom we can refer you to.
Jeffrey D. Rhody
DDS
Matthew T. Pruhs
DDS
Prevention is one of the most critical components of good oral health as an adult. In addition to offering a range of preventive dental services, we also help our patients learn and exercise good oral hygiene in a manner specific to their issues so dental challenges don’t get in their way.
When plaque—the sticky film from food debris, bacteria, and saliva—is not removed, it forms calculus, or tartar, and begins destroying the gums and bone, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This condition, called periodontal disease (meaning “around the tooth”), is the number one reason for tooth loss and has been linked to much more serious conditions involving the whole body. Since the disease is usually painless in its early stages, four out of five people have some form of periodontal disease and don’t know it. We can help you identify and, if necessary, treat gingivitis and periodontal disease before it becomes serious.
While tooth decay has declined significantly over the years due to new treatments and patient education, teeth are still susceptible to decay, infection, and breakage. These events can be demoralizing and even debilitating. Ridgeview offers the latest and least invasive treatments to help you restore your teeth back to their normal appearance and function.
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Bad breath (halitosis) can be unpleasant and embarrassing. There are various causes of bad breath, but in healthy adults the major source is microbial deposits on the tongue. As a result, some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle or electric toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums. Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth and be sure to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.
Four out of five people have periodontal (gum) disease and don’t know it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Regular examinations are very important and will help catch problems early.
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, begins when plaque—a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva—is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Properly brushing and flossing regularly, however, will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.
Certain tooth or appliance conditions such as bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings may trap plaque and bacteria Many medications like steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, and oral contraceptives, which dry out the mouth and make it easier for plaque to adhere to the teeth and gums.
Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty can all cause changes in hormone levels, leading gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins Systemic diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, and HIV/AIDS.
Genetics may play role as well, and patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.
After an extraction, a certain amount of bleeding is to be expected. Bite on gauze for one half hour. If bleeding continues, bite on a fresh gauze for an additional fifteen minutes. Repeat if necessary.
If you have any questions or problems, please call our office at 262-251-8704
