PERIODONTAL

Dr. Nathan J. Flesher, his wife Becca, and their son Gavin.

When he saw how his friends’ parents were changing lives as dentists, Dr. Nathan knew right away he had discovered his calling. A “plan B” wasn’t part of his vocabulary. 

A Uniontown, PA native, Dr. Nathan first earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry before achieving his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2014. He followed God’s calling, which guided him to the Christian Medical and Dental Association placement program. One of his most significant accomplishments was commissioning as an officer in the Army National Guard Dental Corps. He joined in 2013, just before starting his dental studies, when he discovered a scholarship opportunity. He remains involved, using his skills and knowledge to promote and restore the dental health of the nation’s honorable service members. A staunch supporter of these brave soldiers, Dr. Nathan takes great pride in helping them care for their oral health. Whenever he spots a solider who hasn’t yet realized the importance of a healthy smile, he will spend a few extra moments with them – a truly life-changing interaction. 

When he’s not helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams, Dr. Nathan loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Becca. They were high school sweethearts and married at the age of 20. Becca is passionate about helping others as a registered nurse. Together, they have a young son, Gavin James, and French bulldog, Hank. Dr. Nathan stays physically active by exercising and exploring the outdoors. Other pastimes include traveling, shooting, sporting clays (clay pigeon shooting), reading, and sharing his knowledge with others. Since helping other people is integral to his life’s mission, Dr. Nathan also helps out at his church and volunteers for Beautiful Feet Ministries. Each month, he provides free dentistry for the homeless and less fortunate. He’s an active member of several dental organizations and … he’s a self-confessed nerd who loves technology. 

Dental care for adults

While cavities are the number-one problem for kids, gum disease is the primary concern for older adults. It develops very slowly and often painlessly but becomes more apparent in middle age. Left untreated, infection may destroy the gum tissue and bone that keeps your teeth in place and that’s why it’s the number-one cause of tooth loss in older adults.

Gum disease is especially troublesome for people who wear dentures. You can imagine how difficult it is to fit dentures comfortably over gums that are sore, swollen, or bleeding.

Luckily, gum disease is usually preventable, treatable, and often reversible, especially if you clean your teeth well at home. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove the plaque that causes gum disease. Flossing helps to clean out the places your brush can’t reach. In fact, if you’re not flossing, you’re missing 35% of every tooth!

Crowns, bridges and dentures should also be cleaned regularly. If you don’t, the plaque and bacteria that builds up on these artificial teeth can spread to your natural teeth! Be sure to soak your dentures overnight and clean and massage your gums. Dental implants can be treated more like natural teeth, but they require a little more diligence when brushing and flossing.

Good home dental care will go a long way in preserving your smile for a lifetime.