Dr. Kim is a highly trained and experienced general dentist serving Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She leads a team of dental professionals at Loyalsock Dental that provides the best routine preventive dental care possible.
We take the time to educate patients on how to maintain their oral health with personal oral hygiene advice. For many patients, this goes beyond just saying “brush your teeth and floss regularly”. Loyalsock Dental is your family dentist office that will improve and help you maintain your long-term dental health.
Why Visit the Dentist?
Patients often ask about the benefits of visiting with us twice a year for routine care. During dental visits, we can take the time to assess the state of your teeth and gums. Additionally, we will look at how your bite functions and screen for oral health concerns. The dentist will look for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. We will also discuss your lifestyle habits, medical history, and other factors that may affect your long term dental health. Together, we can create a long term treatment plan that saves you time and money.
Watching your dental health with routine visits can often prevent more complex problems. It also allows for early and effective treatment of cavities or gum disease. Studies have shown that patients who maintain their oral health with routine dental care enjoy better overall health and wellness.
Routine dental visits include a professional teeth cleaning. Our dental hygienists will clean all tooth surfaces and provide advice to address any dental concerns you have.
General Dentistry in Williamsport, PA
General dental care focuses on the protection and maintenance of your teeth and gums. This includes common treatments for decay and gum disease. The goal of your preventive dental care in our dentist office is to help you avoid problems that impact the structure, comfort, and function of your bite. Dr. Kim provides general dental care that is individualized to your unique smile, dental needs, risk factors, and more.
General dental services at Loyalsock Dental include:
- Dental cleanings and exams
- Dental sealants
- Root canals
- Dental Fillings
- Emergency Dentistry
- Mouthguards
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Tooth Extractions
- Periodontal Therapy
Preventing Cavities: Dental Care for Children & Adults
Preventing tooth decay is a key component of routine dental care. It helps you maintain the structure of your natural teeth for as long as possible. Tooth decay can affect children and adults and leads to tooth damage, gum disease, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Dr. Kim looks for the early signs of tooth decay during your visit. She will address your needs with a range of treatment options and dental fillings to minimize damage. Dr. Kim will recommend dental sealants for your child. These will help prevent cavities and premature tooth loss. Dental sealants work like a protective shield that prevents harmful bacteria from penetrating delicate developing teeth.
Diet and Oral Health
One of the most important things to consider regarding diet and oral health is sugar. Sugary foods and drinks can feed the bacteria in our mouths, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet and choosing sugar-free alternatives whenever possible is important.
In addition to sugar, acidic foods and drinks can also damage teeth. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can weaken enamel and make teeth more susceptible to cavities. Consuming these foods in moderation is important, and rinse your mouth with water after eating them to help neutralize the acids.
Conversely, certain foods can actually help improve oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acids and promote enamel remineralization. Foods high in calcium, like dairy products, can also help strengthen teeth and bones.
Protein-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs are important for maintaining healthy gums and mouth tissues. Protein is essential for tissue repair and can help keep the gums healthy and resilient. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines can also help reduce inflammation in the gums and promote overall oral health.
It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and can help keep the gums hydrated and healthy. Drinking water with fluoride can also help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry provides the basis for your oral health. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist at least twice yearly for a cleaning and checkup. This allows us to monitor the development of your mouth, keep up with thorough dental cleanings, and catch any problems early so treatment is easier and less expensive. We have cleaning tools to reach areas you can’t on your own and diagnostic technology to view parts of your mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. If you can, we recommend brushing your teeth after every meal or snack to eliminate food debris and bacteria buildup. At the very least, rinse your mouth with water each time you eat. It helps wash away food debris and neutralize acids in your mouth.
Should I use a manual or electric toothbrush?
Both are effective as long as you’re using them properly. However, an electric toothbrush can benefit children and patients who struggle with having a full range of motion while brushing their teeth. It can be difficult to effectively brush certain areas if you can’t perform certain movements. An electric toothbrush can give you assistance in these areas.
What’s the most common general dental problem?
We see tooth decay the most. Almost every member of the population will have a cavity at least once in their life. They’re especially prevalent in children because they have diets higher in sugar and aren’t as adept at thoroughly brushing their teeth. However, they can occur at any age.
Why do I need to floss?
A toothbrush can’t access every nook and cranny in your mouth. Dental floss can get in between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t. Food particles and teeth often get caught between teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to cavities that are hard to notice until they’re a bigger problem, as they aren’t really visible.
Are dental x-rays necessary?
There are many oral health issues that you can’t see. X-rays allow us to see small, elusive cavities, impacted teeth, and the development of wisdom and permanent teeth. They can help us diagnose issues in their earlier stages, catching them before they become severe dental problems.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Have you been away from the dentist for some time? Do you need a second opinion or are you looking for a new family, cosmetic, and restorative dentist in Lycoming County, PA? Visit Dr. Joyce Kim at Loyalsock Dental. Give us a call to schedule an appointment at our local dental practice, or request more information online today.