Preventive Dentistry in Kansas City

To help reduce the chances of cavities and other disease, Dr. William D. Ledford offers preventive dentistry in Kansas City, Missouri. For those patients who are more prone to carries, dental sealants and fluoride may offer added protection to growing bones. For complete checkups and other preventive services, please call Blue Stream Dental to get your family in to the dentist. You can reach our dental team at 816-569-9787.

The goal of preventive care is to protect your smile from damage caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease (gum disease), and other damaging dental conditions. Preventive dentistry works to prevent these diseases before they cause damage that requires repair. We offer a number of preventive dental treatments to help you keep your smile in the best possible health. These services include dental sealants and dental cleanings; visiting our office regularly ensures that we detect and treat any early signs of damage before they become more extensive and painful.

There are several steps you can take to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Our dentist recommends that you follow these guidelines to help minimize your chances for developing cavities:

  • Brush and floss your teeth every day. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Maintain a balanced, healthy diet with a limited amount of very sugary or acidic foods.
  • Visit our office at least twice a year for a routine teeth cleaning and dental exam.
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants and fluoride treatment to see if they are right for your smile.

Dental Sealants

Sometimes, teeth can use a little extra help to reduce the chances of bacteria turning into cavities or decay. Blue Stream Dental would like to help by providing dental sealants, which can give you a leg up on cavity prevention. To learn more about how our dentist, Dr. Ledford, can seal your children’s teeth with dental sealants, please call 816-569-9787 today!

A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentist may recommend to protect your teeth from decay. It is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of the tooth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents decay and cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth surface over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean your teeth with normal brushing.

Dental sealants are most often recommended for children; our dentist frequently recommends sealants for the permanent molars as soon as they come in, which is usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. We may also recommend dental sealants for adult patients whose teeth are prone to decay or for teeth that have not been restored or suffered from decay in the past. We can apply dental sealants in just one short, comfortable visit to our practice. To learn more about dental sealants and how we can keep your smile in good health, call or visit our office today.

Fluoride Treatments

You may remember getting fluoride tablets as a child, with the dentist explaining how they can help reduce the chances of getting cavities. At Blue Stream Dental, we have the same belief and welcome you to contact us to receive fluoride treatments. To reach our dental team, we ask you to please call our office at 816-569-9787. Let Dr. Ledford and our team assist in preventing cavities and maintaining your oral health today!

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water and many foods. While you receive a certain amount of fluoride from your diet and from using toothpaste with fluoride, we may recommend fluoride treatment to further strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. As you eat and drink throughout the day, bacteria, sugars, and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel layer of your teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize the tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and cavities. In addition, fluoride can strengthen the teeth as they develop to make sure they are strong and healthy, making fluoride very important for children as their teeth grow in.

Our dentist often recommends professional fluoride treatment during your regular dental checkup, and we may suggest further fluoride treatment if your teeth are prone to decay or if you are not receiving a sufficient amount of fluoride from other sources. Professional fluoride is available in the form of a gel, varnish, or foam. Fluoride treatment is just one of the ways we help keep your smile healthy for a lifetime. For more information about preventive dentistry and the benefits of fluoride, contact us today!

Complete Checkups

At Blue Stream Dental, we offer complete dental checkups. These include dental cleaning, education about oral hygiene, and a thorough exam with X-rays. Our goal is to ensure that you and your family are knowledgeable about oral health. Contact our dental office today if you are in need of a complete dental checkup, and set up your appointment with Dr. William D. Ledford!

Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most basic, yet important, preventive treatments we provide at our office. Each time you visit our dental practice for a checkup, we will provide a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam to help your smile stay healthy.

During your teeth cleaning and exam, our dental team will:

  • Clean your teeth by removing any plaque or tartar (also called dental calculus), which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease
  • Floss and polish your teeth for a healthy, bright smile
  • Examine your smile for signs of any damaging dental conditions or diseases

We utilize dental X-rays to further evaluate your smile and make certain that you receive the dental care you need. Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential in maintaining good oral health, preventing cavities and gum disease, and making sure that any damaging conditions are treated as early as possible.

We recommend that you visit us every six months for a routine dental cleaning and exam. We may suggest more frequent visits if needed, and we also encourage you to contact us if you suffer from a dental emergency, pain, or injury. To schedule your next appointment, contact us today!