What is Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry can make the difference between a healthy set of teeth and a lifetime of dental problems. If you don’t take proper care of your teeth and oral health through regular dental check-ups, teeth cleanings, and at-home oral care, you may find yourself having to spend thousands on dental work that could have been avoided with the right at-home dental regimen and preventive dentistry practices.

Preventive dentistry is the practice of daily oral hygiene procedures at home, coupled with regular visits to the dentist for exams and teeth cleanings, in order to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other problematic dental conditions.

What exactly does preventive dentistry entail?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), proper preventive dentistry practices include the following:

• Dental exams and cleanings:

  The ADA recommends twice yearly dental visits for routine examinations, which may include x-rays to check for signs of cavities or the progression of problems beneath the gum line, as well as professional dental cleanings, or prophylaxis. Your dentist is able to catch problems that are not often seen by the naked eye, so it is important to adhere to any recommendations from your dentist in order to protect your oral health or reverse any harmful effects caused by chronic dental diseases or conditions.

• Proper at-home dental care:

  One of the easiest and most important preventive dentistry practices is daily at-home dental care, including twice daily brushing and flossing to dislodge any food particles and dental plaque that may build up and cause a sticky, hardened, and difficult to remove tartar, which can cause periodontal disease and, ultimately, tooth decay.

• Fluoride treatments:

  Fluoride is a substance that strengthens one’s teeth and helps protect them against tooth decay and disease. Fluoride treatments can come from a variety of sources, including fluoride toothpastes, mouth rinses, professional fluoride treatments, and even from public water fluoridation.

• Proper diet:

  Believe it or not, a proper diet plays a significant role in preventive dentistry. Regular consumption of sugary sweets or calcium-poor diets can increase one’s production of bacteria-laden dental plaque and increase one’s chances of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay.

• Avoid tobacco use:

  Certain substances, including tobacco use, smoking and alcohol consumption may cause tooth discoloration, dry mouth, plaque buildup, and even lead to gum disease and oral cancer. When possible, avoid these substances, which can have a harmful effect on your teeth and gums.

The onset of periodontal disease and its costly, painful and life-altering effects can be avoided with preventive dentistry practices, such as proper at-home care, regular visits to your dentist and avoidance of potentially harmful substances that may impact your oral health. If it is time for your routine dental visit, contact Advanced Dentistry to schedule your next dental exam today.