Did you know that untreated cavities could lead to a severe infection under the gums and spread to other body parts? You might be wondering what preventative dental care is and why it’s important.
Not only can it prevent future problems, but it can help to keep your teeth in tip-top shape! Read this guide on preventative dental care today.
What Is Preventative Dental Care?
When you visit SkyridgeDental.com or another dentist, they’ll help you maintain good oral health. They’ll discuss good oral habits such as flossing and brushing properly. Dental insurance might cover your entire dental visit.
It commonly includes:
- Teeth cleaning
- Regular oral exams
- Routine x-rays
It can help you avoid enamel wear, gum disease, and cavities. Speak with your dentist about how many times per year you should have this visit.
A high-quality dentist will perform diagnostic procedures. This looks for gum disease, cavities, and problems in your mouth.
Dentists will check implants, crowns, and fillings to ensure they’re still effective. Dentists will provide an oral cancer screening.
This will examine your tissues, tongue, face, gums, throat, neck, and lips. They’ll offer you treatment options to decide what’s best for your budget.
Dentists could also identify potential medical conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc. Some health problems could be from poor oral health, including diabetes, heart disease, and others.
What Is Preventative Dental Care for Children?
Child dentists will take appointments once they receive their first tooth. They can find problems early before the problem persists or becomes worse.
Your child might receive:
- Sealants
- Referrals to other specialists
- Fitting mouth guards
- Routine x-rays
- Oral exams
- Teeth cleaning
- Identify health issues
- Promote good dental habits such as flossing, brushing
Preventative Treatment
You’ll meet with a dental hygienist along with your dentist. They’ll polish your teeth to keep them white.
Any plaque or stains could be removed. They’ll remove plaque first.
This pale film forms from food remains, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque could lead to gum inflammation and cavities.
Tartar will be removed as well. It’s a plaque that builds up on the surface of the teeth.
It can be above or below the gum line. Tartar can only be removed with specialized dental tools.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride prevents tooth decay since it stops the production of acids by bacteria. It can help you avoid procedures in the future.
Dental professionals will use a high concentration of fluoride on your teeth. They can be in a varnish, gel, solution, or foam.
It helps your body use minerals such as phosphate and calcium. They can repair weak tooth enamel.
Fluoride treatment could:
- Reduce tooth pain
- Prevent gum disease
- Prevent the loss of teeth
Fluoride Treatment for Children
Children need to receive fluoride treatment more often than adults. Ideally, they should receive fluoride treatment every 3-6 months.
It’ll help to prevent future dental infections, pain, and decay. Speak with your dentist before you introduce fluoride rinses to your child.
Proper Flossing
Floss your teeth at least once per day. Ensure that you’re properly flossing by speaking with your dentist.
They can show you a demonstration if you aren’t sure. For metal brackets, you could consider a water flosser or threaders. Threaders will help you get between the wires when you floss.
Brush Daily
Brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. You’ll want to replace your toothbrush about 3-4 times yearly.
Go in a circular motion if you’re using a non-electric brush. For electric toothbrushes, ensure that you don’t press them while moving them around your mouth.
Eat Well
Limit your sugar intake, including sweets, soda, and white bread. Ensure that you get plenty of vitamins in your diet to keep your smile healthy.
Dental Sealants
These thin coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They can help to prevent cavities for years.
While often for children, adults can benefit too. Small hollows and grooves on teeth can make chewing difficult.
Over time, this could lead to cavities. Sealants fill any fissures or pits to make them easier to clean.
They reduce the chances of cavities in the future. While it might not match the color of your teeth, it’s in the back, so people won’t notice. Sealants can last for many years.
It’s important to keep your regular dental checkups. Without them, sealants could break, and cavities could form underneath. There’s some concern about plastic sealants containing BPA (bisphenol-a).
Will Dental Insurance Cover Treatment?
Research coverage that includes preventative and diagnostic services. They often won’t cover fluoride treatment in adults.
X-rays and teeth cleanings are covered. They’ll cover teeth cleanings twice a year. You’ll need to ensure that x-rays are only a limited amount per year.
Why It’s Important To See Your Dentist
Dentists can identify and treat problems before they become worse. They can pick out treatment options that are specific to your case.
Dentists can also prevent problems from occurring in the first place. You’ll want to find a dentist specializing in preventative instead of restorative care.
Better Understand What Preventative Dental Care Is and Isn’t
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of what preventative dental care is exactly. Take your time speaking with different dentists in the area to find the right one for you. Ensure that they specialize in preventative care and have the credentials to prove it.
Would you like to read more informative guides and educational materials? Be sure to check out our other articles on our site today!
