Good oral hygiene means more than just brushing and flossing. To properly take care of your teeth and gums, it is essential to have regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings. Preventive dental services such as oral exams, regular cleanings, educational instructions, and x-rays will help identify and treat early dental issues before they become serious.
Your dentist at Gentle Dental will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This exam is to proactively look for signs of gum disease or other dental problems.
Routine x-rays help determine and diagnose oral problems that would otherwise go unnoticed. Digital x-rays have significantly lower radiation than traditional x-rays.
A dentist or a dental hygienist will perform your routine teeth cleaning by removing built up plaque and tartar, flossing, and polishing your teeth. Regular cleaning is important to prevent gum diseases, cavities, bad breath, and other dental problems. Cleaning should be regular and must be scheduled at least twice a year.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps keep teeth healthy and resist decay. Topical fluoride treatments can even stop the development of cavities that are just beginning to develop. For patients that are fluoride deficient, we provide fluoride treatments directly to the teeth during a regular dental exam.
Oral cancer screenings have become a regular part of a routine dental exam. Early detection of oral cancer increases the overall success rate of treatment. With early detection, treatment can start right away.
Sealants are a thin layer of a plastic-based substance that when applied to the teeth prevent plaque and food particles from gathering in the deep grooves of your tooth’s surface. Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.
Preventive dentistry starts at home and continues in your dental office visits.
Preventive dentistry is all about avoiding problems that can arise down the line. Education on proper oral hygiene, routine care, proactive cleanings, diagnosis, and treatment, can ensure and maintain strong, cavity-free teeth. Both adults and children benefit from preventive dentistry. If you practice good oral hygiene, maintain a healthy diet, keep up with visits to your dentist and routine dental cleanings. Regular visits to the dentist may help you avoid developing the following conditions:
Good dental health is linked to overall health and wellbeing. Since the mouth contains disease-causing bacteria, maintaining good oral health is vital for overall health.
Good oral hygiene and preventive dentistry can help reduce not only risk for dental problems but also secondary health issues that stem from poor dental health.
It is important to brush with anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Remember to replace your toothbrush 2-3 times a year. Rinse your mouth twice a day with a fluoride mouthwash.
Visit the dentist at least twice a year for a comprehensive preventive exam. If you have existing oral issues, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits. If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you should follow up with your dentist immediately:
You may want to consider using a mouthguard if you:
Ask your dentist for more information.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Limit sugar and foods that are hard on the teeth. Limit dark beverages that stain the teeth, such as soda and wine.
Smoking and using oral tobacco products lead to oral cancers and other dental issues. The best prevention is to create a plan to quit.
Our dentists, and staff want to ensure that you and your family achieve optimal oral health. It is never too late or too early to practice preventive dental habits. We offer quality, award winning dentistry services for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a Gentle Dental near you.
If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.
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