Taking proper care of your teeth can preserve your smile for a lifetime. Various preventive dental treatments can help you maintain excellent oral health. Some are performed at home, while others require the services of a dentist. Continue reading to learn about the goals of preventive dentistry.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
It is the practice of caring for your mouth to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Preventive dentistry practices are recommended for kids and adults due to their benefits. Parents should ensure their infants and toddlers receive appropriate dental care. In addition, they should teach kids the importance of preventive dental care for healthy and strong permanent teeth.
The main goal of preventive dentistry is maintaining good dental healthcare habits. Doing so prevents severe oral health issues later. Preventive dental care prevents cavities, gum disease, and enamel loss. It can also reduce the risk of health problems linked to poor oral health, like diabetes, oral cancer, and heart or respiratory disease.
Preventive dentistry also focuses on preventing painful and costly treatments in the future. For example, you will get cavities if your teeth are not appropriately cleaned daily. The symptoms of caries are excruciating. Some cavity treatments are invasive and expensive. Fortunately, preventive dental care can help you avoid cavities and their consequences.
Components of Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dental treatment helps to avoid common oral health problems and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. The dentist in Tampa recommends the preventative dentistry services below.
- At-home oral hygiene
You have the most significant role to play in preventive dentistry. Maintaining proper oral hygiene every day prevents various oral health issues from arising. Therefore, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day. In addition, use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly to reduce bacteria that cause decay.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that reaches all the areas of your mouth. Brush for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Clean your tongue and gums to remove bacteria. In addition, floss correctly to eliminate bacteria and plaque from the spaces between your teeth.
- Dental cleanings
Although you brush and floss your teeth every day, there are areas of the mouth you cannot clean properly. As a result, plaque will accumulate in these areas and build up into tartar. When this happens, you will need the help of a dentist to prevent cavities. Dental cleanings are scheduled every six months or sooner.
The dentist will thoroughly clean all areas of your mouth, removing plaque and tartar. Afterwards, they provide a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and reverse cavities. The professional cleaning will also change or reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Dental exams
Dental evaluations or exams are performed before routine dental cleanings. Your dentist will examine your mouth, neck, and head to check for symptoms of oral or medical conditions. The exams help the dentist identify problems and treat them immediately.
Dental evaluations involve checking the health status of your gums, jawbone, and teeth. The dentist will also check for early signs of oral cancer during your routine exams. If any symptoms are found, they will perform oral cancer screening.
- Mouth guards
Mouth guards are crucial in preventive dentistry because they prevent dental damage. If you participate in sports, you should get a mouthguard to wear during the activities. It will cushion the impact if you get hit in the face or fall as you play. People who clench their jaws or grind their teeth damage the teeth and wear down the enamel. They should also get mouthguards
- Tooth-colored fillings
When you have a cavity, a dentist will treat it using dental fillings. They use a tooth-colored material to fill the hole, preventing it from enlarging. The fillings also strengthen the tooth and ensure they do not break or crack easily.
- Tooth extractions
Tooth extractions are necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or when managing periodontitis. A dentist can also extract a tooth to prevent infection or misalignment.
Preventative Dentistry in Tampa, FL
Are you considering improving your chances of a healthy and strong smile for a lifetime? Then schedule an appointment at Carrollwood Dental Studio– Tampa. Dr. Allan Fallah and the team will provide the necessary preventive dental treatments for you and your family.