Ultimate Guide To Preventive Dentistry

If you’re looking to keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life, you have to do more than just practice a good daily oral care routine. That’s where preventive dentistry comes in. Preventive dental care entails caring for your teeth and other oral structures to keep them healthy.

This helps prevent dental issues such as gum disease, enamel wear, tooth loss, cavities, and more. It’s also worth noting that good oral hygiene and health can positively impact your general health. For instance, it can lessen the risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, infection, and high blood pressure.

Who’s a Good Candidate For Preventive Dentistry?

Everyone can benefit from preventive dentistry. For children and teens, preventive treatments such as sealants and fluoride treatments can keep their teeth strong and protect them from cavities. For adults, preventive care can help maintain good oral health, preventing tooth loss and reducing the chances of developing dental problems.

What Does Preventive Dentistry Entail?

There are several forms of preventive dental procedures, all designed to keep your oral structures clean, strong, and healthy. These include:

1. Dental Sealants

Especially for children and teens, dental sealants are a great way to protect the back teeth from developing cavities. Food particles can hide inside the fissures or grooves when chewing, leading to bacteria and plaque build-up.

A sealant is a thin covering that is applied to the grooves of the teeth to smoothen them. By smoothening these fissures, food particles and other debris can’t get trapped between the teeth. Besides, it makes brushing easier.

The good thing about sealants is that they are easy and quick to apply. No numbing injection or tooth trimming is required. If well cared for, sealants can last for up to 10 years. However, it’s important to have them checked regularly for damage as part of your normal six month cleanings.

2. Dental Care Education

Especially for children, dental care education is important to teach them good daily oral practices. The dentist will teach you what dental hygiene practices should be done at home to ensure optimum oral hygiene.

3. Dental Cleanings and Exams

It’s commended that you see your dentist every six months for dental cleanings and exams. During the check-ups, the dentist examines your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral structures and looks for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions. During the cleaning, the dentist cleans your teeth with special tools to remove tartar, bacteria, and plaque between your teeth.

4. Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is a great and affordable way to strengthen your teeth and bones. If possible, you should use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash and go for fluoride treatment with your dentist. It will promote your oral health and prevent the need for expensive procedures in the future.

5. Daily Dental Hygiene and Care

A good at-home dental routine is a great way to ensure good oral health. Use the following tips to care for your oral structures at home:

• Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day.
• Floss daily to eliminate food particles trapped between the teeth.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Have routine dental check-ups and cleanings at least every six months.
• Avoid teeth-staining habits such as smoking and consuming colored foods and drinks.
• Eat healthier and hydrate well
• Avoid acidic foods to prevent damaging the teeth enamel.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports
• If you have bruxism or teeth grinding, request your dentist to create a customized night guard to protect your teeth.

Benefits of Preventive Dental Care

Here’s why preventive dentistry is beneficial to you and your family:

• It lowers your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental diseases
• It promotes good oral hygiene and health
• Dental exams aid in early identification of dental conditions
• It saves you money and resources in the long-term
• It reduces the chances of developing health-related conditions such as diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.

Final Verdict

Preventive dental care is the greatest way to ensure that your teeth and other oral structures stay in good condition. It also helps you avoid the need for expensive procedures in the future. If you’re interested in preventive treatments, contact Concord Woods Dental Group to schedule your appointment today.