This article will walk you through the ins and outs of preventive dentistry and why it’s so important. You may not think about your dentist as someone who is there to protect your teeth from lasting damage, but that’s exactly what they do. A great dentist will help you understand best practices for keeping your teeth healthy, along with any risks you might face as an individual with their particular set of genetic markers and personal risk factors. Whether you are new to dentistry or just want to know what preventive dentistry is, this article will help you!
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is an area of dental care that looks at preventing future dental issues. Preventive dentists focus on regular checkups, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to keep teeth healthy. Preventive dentists can also diagnose and treat oral lesions, including oral cancers. However, some oral lesions can be signs of underlying medical conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Why is preventive dentistry important?
Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other serious oral health issues. Your dentist may use one or more of the following ways to help prevent dental problems.
Regular teeth cleanings: The most common dental procedure, regular teeth cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria from teeth.
Fluoride treatment: Fluoride is a mineral that makes teeth stronger and less susceptible to decay. It can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, and even water.
Sealants: A dental sealant is a plastic covering applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. It creates a barrier to protect teeth from the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay.
Nutritional counseling: Your dentist can help you choose the right diet for strong teeth and gums. They can also provide you with tips for proper oral hygiene.
Lifestyle counseling: Your dentist can help you identify and reduce your risk of developing dental issues. They can also inform you of any risks to your teeth and gums.
How does Preventive Dentistry help?
There are a number of reasons why you should prioritize care from a preventive dentist. The first reason is that preventive dentists are trained to catch issues before they become a problem. Cavities, gingivitis, and other common dental issues may not cause pain until they have advanced to a serious level. When a dentist finds an issue while it’s still in the early stages, they can stop it before it becomes a major problem.
A preventive dentist also has experience in choosing treatment options. That will help you avoid needing a root canal or other procedure that can cause significant damage to your teeth. A preventive dentist is also trained to work with patients. To prevent issues before they occur, such as helping you select an appropriate toothbrush for your teeth (even if you have braces).
Conclusion
Preventive dentistry is an important aspect of dental hygiene. It involves taking care of your teeth and gums to make them healthier. With regular checkups and good oral hygiene, you can reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. During these checkups, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and apply fluoride to strengthen your teeth. They can also apply dental sealants to help prevent cavities in your molars. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other serious oral health issues.
