Preventive Dentistry

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

WHAT IS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?

Preventive dentistry is the practice of keeping your teeth healthy. It is a combination of regular dental check-ups along with developing good habits like brushing and flossing.

Taking care of your teeth starts early in childhood and extends throughout the course of your life.

WHICH ARE THE PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY STRATEGIES?

Preventive oral care for children and adults include a number of strategies:

  • Patient education: It is the most important aspect of preventive dentistry. Patients who understand the importance of oral health will have excellent oral hygiene habits and are likelier to see their dentist for preventive treatments.   
  • Brush your teeth daily: Brush your teeth daily at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily: Flossing helps clean out the tight spaces between the teeth. Ask your dentist for a quick flossing demonstration to make sure you are doing it the right way.
  • Eat a balanced diet: It helps protect your teeth and gums by providing them the nutrients they need. Limit sugar intake and drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking: These negatively affect your oral health. They may cause: dry mouth, stains, bad breath, gum disease and even oral cancer.
  • Fluoride use: Fluoride can reverse tiny cavities that are starting to form. Sometimes it may be necessary to apply fluoride at the dental office, especially when you are not getting enough from toothpaste and drinking water.
  • Regular dental visits: You should see your dentist at least twice a year to check any problems in teeth or gums. Dental cleanings are necessary for a good oral health.
  • X-rays: Allow dentist to see interproximal tooth decay and problems beneath the gum line.
  • Occlusal splint: They can be worn when exercising in order to protect teeth from dental injury. Mouth guards can also be used to treat teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth and contribute to TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder).
  • Sealants: They are plastic coatings that fill the dental grooves in molars and premolars. They prevent tooth decay in these teeth.
  • Orthodontics: Correcting the misaligned teeth may help prevent future dental problems.
  • Professional dental cleaning: It is recommended every 6 months, it helps remove plaque or stains that are not easily removed with traditional tooth brushing.

WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS USEFUL FOR DENTAL DISEASE PREVENTION?

  • Intraoral camera: The dentist can see the images taken by the camera on a screen outside of the patient’s mouth without discomfort.
  • Air abrasion: It is a way to remove decay from a tooth without using the dental drill.
  • Digital X-rays: It produces 90% less radiation that conventional x-rays. After x-ray taking, the radiograph will appear in a screen and further explanation to the patient will be easier.
  • Improved cavity detection: It uses trans illumination technology that makes it easier for dentists to see through the tooth and observe any abnormality.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?

  • It lowers your risks of presenting tooth decay, gum disease, or more serious dental problems.
  • Early identification of dental problems may help minimize dental cost.
  • Helps promote good oral hygiene habits