Everything About Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dentistry involves the use of good dental hygiene practices to prevent oral health problems before they occur. It includes regular dental visits, good oral hygiene practices at home, and dental cleanings and exams.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

The main benefit of preventive care is preventing the development of oral health complications, such as tooth decay and gum disease. By doing so, you can avoid the need for more expensive treatments, such as root canals and even tooth extractions. Although cavities and other forms of tooth decay may still develop despite your best efforts, your dentist can repair minor damage before it becomes a major problem that requires more extensive procedures.

Other benefits of preventive dentistry are:

• A healthier smile
• Whiter teeth
• Fewer dental emergencies and improved longevity of your teeth

Your dentist can also screen you for other health issues by looking for signs of oral cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and more. Many conditions can be better treated when caught early, so it is important to stay on top of your regular checkups.

Preventive Dental Care At Dental Office

• Dental cleanings and exams

Preventative dentistry includes visits for cleanings and examinations. These appointments are essential for maintaining good oral health and detecting any potential problems before they lead to larger issues. During your dental cleaning, we will clean your teeth to remove any plaque buildup. We may also take X-rays to examine the health of your teeth and jawbone.

Regular dental cleanings are important for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated, these problems can lead to painful infections or the need for a tooth extraction. By keeping up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings, you can avoid the need for complicated treatments in the future.

• Fluoride treatments and dental sealants

Cleanings are effective on their own, but they are even more powerful when used in combination with other preventive services. For example, we can provide fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities. We can also apply sealants to your child’s teeth to prevent decay. We recommend all of these options to help prevent unnecessary dental treatments.

• Oral cancer screening

At every dental appointment, the dentist will perform a thorough oral cancer screening to check for any abnormalities inside the oral cavity. Cancers of any part of the mouth or throat are not common and typically affect individuals over the age of 40. However, regular dental visits can help detect this disease early when it is most treatable to increase the survival rate.

• Gum disease treatment

Gum disease treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. This is usually the first step in the gum disease process, and it’s usually followed by root planing and scaling. These deep cleanings are often performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic to numb the teeth and gums as much as possible.

In addition to regular preventative care at our office, you should also practice preventive care at home. 

Preventive Dentistry At Home

The best way to avoid needing restorative dentistry treatments is to practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Here are some preventive dental care tips that you can try at home.

• Practice proper dental hygiene– Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time. Floss between teeth at least once daily as well. Using mouthwash can also help prevent plaque buildup. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months, too. 
• Eat a healthy diet– Avoid sugary foods and beverages as much as possible to prevent tooth decay. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and other foods that promote healthy teeth and gums. 
• Limit soda consumption – Sodas can lead to cavities because of their high sugar content. Plus, soda also wears away tooth enamel because of its high acid content. 
• Use mouth guards for sports– Visit your dentist to get a custom-fit guard to protect your mouth from injury during active play. 
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night – Bruxism can wear down your tooth enamel over time and cause jaw pain. Ask your dentist about getting a custom-fitted nightguard to wear while you sleep. -
• Quit smoking – Kicking the habit is one of the best things you can do for your health. Not only is it bad for your oral health, but it’s also linked to a number of serious health issues. 

These preventive dental care tips will help keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

Visit Brighter Day Dental, 1950 Market Street, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520, to learn more about taking care of your oral health. Contact us at (925) 356-2828 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.