Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy, sparkling and happy. This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more.

There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing and dental cleanings. To maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visits to the dentist at regular intervals determined by a dentist. These practices are designed to ensure that teeth are clean, strong, and white. Children should be taught proper oral hygiene at an early age.

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Who Benefits from Preventive Dentistry?

Everyone benefits from preventive dentistry. Children, in particular, benefit because it allows their newly developing adult teeth to come in strong and healthy. Dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments help prevent decay in your children’s teeth. If you’re an aging adult, you can benefit from preventive dentistry because it helps you to keep your natural teeth.

Oral health is connected to the health of your body as a whole. This is because the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Maintaining a clean mouth benefits your overall health.

In addition to reducing your risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive health can also save your money. Even with dental insurance, the costs associated with poor oral hygiene can add up. While preventive dentistry may not completely eliminate your need for fillings, root canals, or dental implants.

Preventive Dentistry Oral Care Practices

A. What you can do in the dental Office:

What goes on in the office in terms of preventive dentistry? A lot! Regardless of age, a variety of procedures occur in the dental chair. And guess what? 

1. Regular dental examinations are preventive as they detect the potential for decay and other oral health concerns. Oral examinations, X-Rays, and cancer screenings are all focused on prevention.
2. Dentists also recommend having your teeth routinely cleaned. Getting your teeth cleaned prevents periodontal (gum) disease and keeps your gum tissue healthy. When you get your teeth cleaned by a dentist, they’ll use special instruments to remove off any tartar (hardened plaque) 
3. Your dentist will let you know how often they’d like you to visit them. It’s different for everyone, depending on the state of your teeth and oral health in general. Some people need to go once or twice a year, while others may need to go more often.

Treatment for Children

Preventive dentistry is essential (and highly recommended) for your kids. Early examinations and cleanings before bacteria even have the chance to build up can ensure a lifetime of dental health.

1. Fluoride treatments:  are a useful measure in preventing tooth decay in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), topical fluoride treatments support children in strengthening their tooth enamel during the years when they’re most prone to cavities.
   Fluoride Application by gels/foam is a highly concentrated form of fluoride, which is applied to the tooth’s surface, by a dentist. It is a form of topical fluoride therapy. It is not a permanent treatment.  It can be used to help prevent decay  and  to remineralize the tooth surface.
   • Fluoride varnishes are available in different flavors, which can be advantageous when treating kids and adolescents.
   • Fluoride trays   filled with fluoride foam are placed on the teeth for 4-5 minutes.
   • Its application is quick and easy.
   • It has a sticky consistency, which helps it to bind with the tooth’s surface thereby allowing the fluoride to stay in contact with the tooth.

2. Dental Sealants are also preventive. They help to protect your kids’ back teeth (molars). Sealants are painted onto the top surface of the teeth to prevent decay. When you seal these teeth as soon as they come in, they can stay cavity-free for life. Sealants reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

Lastly, as children grow and their teeth come in, they may need to see an orthodontist. Usually, your dentist will help determine if this is needed, and they’ll make a referral. An orthodontist will use Braces/Aligners  to correct misalignment.

B. What You can do at Home:

• Brush your teeth two times a day,  with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two full minutes . American Dental Association (ADA) approved fluoride toothpaste is also recommended.
• Floss once a day. Cleaning between your teeth is essential in managing tooth-decaying bacteria. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth and under your gum line.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist allows them to stay on top of any red flags regarding your oral health.
• Eat a balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your oral health. It’s also important to limit sugary beverages and snacks. Also, drink plenty of water every day!

Now you know the secret to clean and healthy teeth is preventive dentistry!

It’s the best way to keep away gum disease, cavities, and other common conditions . Oral care practices are just as important as dental visits. So keep up with brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet. And remember to visit your dentist regularly. And that includes your kids too. So if you haven’t already, get started practicing preventive dentistry right away.

Good news: just by reading this, you’re already doing great things for yourself and your smile.