What is Preventive Dentistry, and What Does It Do?
July 1, 2022
What is Preventive Dentistry?
You might be wondering how you can keep your teeth clean and healthy. Well, prevention is vital. Preventative dentistry helps take care of your teeth to keep them clean and healthy. This dentistry practice involves treating, educating, and maintaining the teeth and gums. From brushing and flossing daily to seeing your dentist in Hamilton, ON regularly, preventive dental care will help you avoid cavities, gum disease, etc. you should teach your child these practices at an early age because of their benefits.
But what does preventive dental care entail? We’ve discussed what dentists cover at the office to take care of your teeth and what you can do at home.
This is dental care that helps one to maintain good oral health. Preventive dentistry is a combination of regular check-ups with your dentist and developing good habits like flossing and brushing. Taking care of your teeth should start in childhood and extend throughout your life.
Common Preventive Dentistry Services
A preventive dentist offers you services such as:
- Routine X-rays
- Teeth cleaning
- Regular oral exams, usually twice a year
Depending on your dental plan, it may cover your entirely preventive care.
What’s My Role in Preventive Dental Care?
Basics of good oral health include:
- Floss once daily to get food that is stuck between teeth before it turns to plaque
- Use a mouth for rinsing out food particles after flossing
- You should avoid acidic foods that can harm tooth enamel
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist might also recommend the best toothpaste and toothbrush for you. In addition, they’ll instruct you on how to brush correctly.
- Be cautious when taking hard foods such as foods with bones, candies, pits, or seeds that can chip or damage your teeth.
- Don’t use tobacco products or smoke because it can lead to cancer and other dental problems
- Always use a mouth guard when practicing in certain sports. Also, you can use a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night. This helps in reducing gum recession
Types of Dentists that Offer Preventive Dental Care
The dentists that provide preventive dentistry in Dundas, ON, include:
General Dentist: This is your go-to dentist in Dundas, ON when you need routine care like exams, X-rays, and exams. They’ll also do fillings and offer other primary dental care. A general dentist will guide you in proper dental care for yourself. They identify any potential problems before becoming large and help you build healthier habits. And if you need further care, they’ll refer you to dental specialists.
Pediatric Dentist: These dentists specialize in dental care for children. Most children start with dental care as soon as their first tooth appears. In many cases, pediatric dentist continues seeing the kids until their teen years. A pediatric dentist will provide specialized care and preventive dentistry, including fillings, extractions, and oral surgery.
What Does Preventive Do?
Regular preventive dental exams at Royal East Dental offer the following benefits to your oral health:
- Preventive dentistry helps reduce dental problems related to chronic medical conditions. It is essential for people with chronic diseases like diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and eating disorders.
- Lowers your risk for developing gum disease, tooth decay, and more severe dental problems
- Identifies dental problems early helps minimize cost and treatment
- Promotes proper oral hygiene habits such as flossing daily and brushing twice daily
- It enables the dentist to perform a complete exam of your neck, jaw, and mouth to identify any related problems
What is Preventive Dentistry for Children
Preventive dentistry Hamilton for kids should begin as they get their first tooth. It helps identify oral problems early before they become worse and costlier. Services include:
- Fluoride application at a certain age
- having routine X-rays to help track teeth and jaw development
- regular teeth cleanings and oral exams, usually twice a year
- promotes good dental habits that include flossing and brushing, guidance on thumb sucking, and offers advice on eating habits that help enhance dental health
- dental sealants
- Referrals to another dental specialist as needed
- Fitting athletic mouth guards
- Referrals to orthodontists if teeth are crooked
- It helps identify related health issues that may interfere with a child’s dental health