The gold statement – Prevention is better than cure – holds true for dental care, too. Preventive dental care is a branch of dentistry that focuses on wholesome oral wellness and the prevention of common diseases that affect teeth and gums. No matter your age, you should consider preventive dental care on priority, and a significant aspect of that is about seeing your Bellmore dentist at least twice every year.
Benefits at a glance
Preventive care helps detect early issues before things get worse. For instance, if you visit your dentist for an oral exam and they find a previously undetected cavity, they can fix it with a filling, crown, onlay, or inlay to avoid further complications. Our oral health is directly related to our overall well-being, and preventive dentistry can lower the risk of numerous health issues. Not to forget, preventing dental disease can save you a lot of money. With treatments and procedures becoming more expensive than before, spending on routine oral exams and cleanings is always a better idea. Because your teeth and gums will be in good health, you don’t have to visit your dental clinic as often.
What is included in preventive dentistry?
There are several aspects of preventive dental care, such as –
- Dental exams: When you see your dentist for a regular appointment, they will do a complete oral exam, where they will check your jaw, mouth, teeth, and gums. This can help diagnose and treat many issues that can eventually lead to complications. A comprehensive dental exam shouldn’t last for more than 30 minutes.
- Counseling for oral care: Although people are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing regularly, not many consider that a priority. Whether you have an existing dental issue or want to know more about keeping your teeth and gums in good health, your dentist can offer valuable advice and suggestions. They can also guide you on how to choose the right products and maintain your habits.
- X-rays: Your dentist may ask you to get X-rays of your teeth every one to two years. Routine X-rays help detect cavities, bone loss, and abscesses, and in many ways, preventive imaging can minimize risks through timely treatment.
- Prophylaxis: Also called dental cleaning, prophylaxis involves cleaning teeth to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. Your dentist will also use gritty toothpaste to scrub your teeth, which is usually followed by expert flossing. If you haven’t had a cleaning in more than a year, you may need deep cleaning treatments, such as root planing and scaling.
- Fluoride treatments: Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment after dental cleaning, and the process involves wearing a mouthpiece with a fluoride paste. You will have to wear the mouthpiece for a minute. At this point, the dentist may also suggest certain fluoride-based products and mouth rinses.
- Oral cancer screening: During dental exams, you may also go for oral cancer screening, especially if you have a family history of cancer or are a smoker or tobacco user. Oral cancer is usually treatable when detected early.
- Sealants: If your dentist finds that one or more of your teeth may suffer from cavities later, they may suggest getting dental sealants. Sealants are restorative coatings, usually placed on molars. They seal teeth to prevent damage caused by bacterial growth.
Final takeaway
Almost all family dental clinics in Bellmore offer preventive care for patients, and you can find more details on their websites. Besides dental appointments and checkups, ensure you brush and floss daily, clean your tongue regularly, and use the right oral care products. You can ask your dentist about other things you can do to keep your teeth healthy.
