Preventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry Overview

Many people don't realize it, but regular preventative dental care can save your teeth.

It is much easier to maintain good oral health than to treat problems once they have started. Preventive dentistry is an integral part of keeping your smile healthy.

Best Family Dentists Lindale - Tyler TX - Center for Implants & General Dentistry

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the practice of protecting teeth against common dental problems. Preventative dentistry includes brushing and flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary snacks or drinks, getting regular checkups from your dentist, and having your teeth cleaned regularly by a professional dental cleaning team.

Preventive Dentistry Services

The following services are considered to be part of a preventative dental care routine:

Routine Cleanings

One of your most essential tools in maintaining oral health is a toothbrush. A good toothbrush, used with an effective fluoride-containing toothpaste, can do much to keep your teeth looking great.

While regular brushing and floss daily, professional dental cleanings are important to fight tooth decay and loss. Plaque that develops on teeth should be removed at least twice per year. Our hygienists are trained to comfortably scale and polish with various instruments and coach your family on personal oral hygiene practices. Our state-of-the-art dental chairs and TV screens provide a relaxing atmosphere while we take care of your teeth.

Diagnostic Tests

A visit to the dental office for a preventative care visit consists of more than just checking your teeth and providing personal instruction on how to brush. Diagnostic tests are performed to help us determine if you have any oral cancer, gum disease, cavities, or other problems. We will take digital X-rays of all teeth to represent any issues that may exist accurately.

Prevention and Education

Our preventative dentistry team will educate you on maintaining good oral health at home. We will review proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend appropriate diet habits, and we'll answer any questions you have about your dental care routine. If we give you a treatment plan, it will prevent dental disease.

Dental Sealants

One of the most straightforward preventive measures available today, sealants literally "seal" and protect the natural grooves of healthy teeth. Following a thorough exam and cleaning, a transparent liquid composite is placed on the teeth and cured with a fiber-optic light to seal around the tooth. Sealants are a strong barrier against food or decay-causing bacteria. Effective for children and adults, sealants are a significant investment to protect against cavities and root canals. 

Complete Periodontal Maintenance

This means: taking care of your gums! More teeth are lost due to periodontal disease than tooth decay. We develop a periodontal maintenance program to prevent gum disease in the tissue and bone supporting teeth. At the first sign of a problem, normally gingivitis, we can treat gum disease and help control the problem with routine exams and directions for home care. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital, and because we are your full-service dentist's office, we can detect early warning signs and take preventive measures quickly.

Oral Hygiene Instruction

As standard procedure, patients young and old leave our office with the education of daily oral hygiene. Our staff reminds adults and children of good brushing and flossing techniques…and we even throw in a free toothbrush and roll of floss! Your teeth and gums will remain healthy when you brush and floss correctly, and we do our best to make sure you know how to care for your teeth.

While we like to see you often, we want you to arrive and leave with a healthy, happy mouth.

Oral Hygiene Instruction

As standard procedure, patients young and old leave our office with the education of daily oral hygiene. Our staff reminds adults and children of good brushing and flossing techniques…and we even throw in a free toothbrush and roll of floss! Your teeth and gums will remain healthy when you brush and floss correctly, and we do our best to make sure you know how to care for your teeth.

While we like to see you often, we want you to arrive and leave with a healthy, happy mouth.

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

The following are just some of the many benefits gained from maintaining a preventative-oriented dental care routine:

Prevents tooth decay and loss

It helps keep solid and healthy teeth for life

Increases oral health awareness with your family

Decreases risk of gum disease and periodontal problems

Alerts you to dental issues early on, before damage is done

Reduces dental costs

Improves your overall quality of life

Prevents future health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes caused by periodontal disease

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

Anyone! Even if you have no current dental issues, preventative care is always better than treating a serious problem later. Your dentist will help you create an individualized plan of action so that together, you can learn what works best for your teeth and gums. Additionally, individuals of any age can receive preventative services. From your child's first visit to your grandparent's routine checkups, proper oral hygiene and good nutrition are vital for everyone.

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

You will get the best preventive dentistry at our clinics. However, there are some things that you can do at home on your own.

These dental hygiene practices at home include:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day

Brushing teeth will help clean away bacteria and food particles from the teeth and gums. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush that reaches all mouth areas is ideal for effective plaque removal. You should brush your teeth as soon as you wake up in the morning, before going to bed at night, and after meals.

Flossing daily

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do throughout your life. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria between teeth where it's almost impossible to reach with a toothbrush. Daily flossing will remove harmful bacteria that live in the nooks between teeth before they have time to cause damage or disease.

Maintaining healthy nutrition

While many of us know we should eat nutritiously, it is sometimes easier said than done. However, eating healthy foods and maintaining a balanced diet can help keep strong teeth and gums and boost your overall health.

Drinking plenty of water

Water is crucial for keeping all of our bodily systems working correctly. Water helps flush out harmful toxins in the body, including removing toxins from the mouth through saliva flow. Drinking water can help reduce plaque buildup around teeth and lower your risk of developing cavities.

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco

Using cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco contributes to poor oral health and other health issues like lung disease and heart problems. The chemicals found in all types of smoke are very harmful to the teeth and gums, not to mention they also stain your smile. Furthermore, those who use these products tend to suffer from bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth early.

References

Nutter, McKenzie. "Disparities in Oral Health: Socioeconomic Status and Policies to Increase Access to Primary Dental Care." (2020). https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/university_honors_program/113/

Large, J. F., A. J. Keightley, and A. Busuttil-Naudi. "Participation of paediatric patients in primary dental care before and after a dental general anaesthetic." European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry 22.5 (2021): 887-897.  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40368-021-00624-3

G Ganbavale, Suruchi, James W Aukett, and Jennifer E Gallagher. "Timings and skill mix in primary dental care: a pilot study." British Dental Journal 227.10 (2019): 907-913. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0938-7

 


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