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 dentist or just want to know what preventive dentistry is, this article will help yo!
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of your teeth and gums in order to catch and treat any issues before they become a problem. This means that preventive dentists focus on using preventative treatments and diagnostic procedures to catch and treat problems before they become irreversible. This is opposed to restorative dentistry, which is focused on fixing damage that has already occurred. Preventive dentists will check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that can cause pain, infection, or other damage to your teeth. They also will make sure that your bite is aligned properly. Your teeth are positioned correctly, and that there aren’t any other issues that may cause lasting damage.
Why is it so important say dentist?
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).
Quality Care from a Preventive Dentist
Now that you understand the importance of preventive dentistry, you may be wondering how to find a good dentist. Especially if you have a dental phobia. There are certain characteristics that you will want to look for. A preventive dentist to make sure that you are receiving the best possible care.
Specialisation – You will want to make sure that your dentist specializes in preventive dentistry. While restorative dentists are also trained in the basics of preventive care. They primarily work on treating damage that has already occurred.
Certification – Check to see if your dentist is certified in their field. Many dentists take general training when they enter the field, and then specialize in a specific area. While general training is great, you will want to make sure that your dentist has a certification. In the area that you need the most help in, such as oral surgery or pediatric dentistry.
Experience – The longer someone has been in the field, the more experience they will have in treating patients like you. While it’s nice to have a young and fresh outlook on things, experience counts for a lot, especially when you are dealing with sensitive issues around oral health.
Hygiene Score – You can use the American Dental Association’s Hygiene Finder to find a dental office near you that has scored in the “excellent” or “very good” range for patient satisfaction.
3 things to look for in Preventive Dentist
The best way to find a great dentist is to ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can also look online for reviews. Try to find a dentist that has a good mix of reviews from patients with different backgrounds and needs. When you’re looking for a preventive dentist, make sure that they offer the following services:
A thorough cleaning – A great dentist will perform a deep cleaning that will remove any plaque or buildup that could cause problems in the future. They should also offer options like teeth whitening and teeth cleaning for braces that will keep your teeth healthy and clean.
Diagnostic procedures – A good dentist will check for cavities, signs of gum disease, and other issues in your mouth. They will also use this time to check your bite, teeth alignment, and other factors that can impact your oral health.
Treatment options – A good dentist will provide you with a variety of treatment options. This means that they won’t tell you what needs to be done and then force you to come up with the money. They will give you a list of what needs to be done, the costs associated with each option, and then let you decide what is best for your budget.
Tips to maintain Healthy Teeth at Home
Practice good oral hygiene – This means brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. You also should consider using a mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and your teeth free of plaque and bacteria.
Eat a healthy diet – This means minimising your sugar intake and eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep your teeth strong and healthy. Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can cause significant damage to your teeth.
Schedule regular dental visits – You should visit your dentist for a cleaning and examination at least once a year. This will allow your dentist to catch issues before they become problems and help you avoid needing a root canal or other serious procedure.
Conclusion
Preventive dentistry is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong. A good dentist will help you understand how to properly care for your teeth and fit a dental plan to your lifestyle and needs. They will also help you understand common dental issues and how to avoid them. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you will be more likely to catch issues before they become major problems. This will help you avoid having to deal with the pain and embarrassment of needing major dental work and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
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