Preventive Dentistry Services Offered by a Dentist to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

1. June 2, 2017 Preventive Dentistry Services Offered by a Dentist to Keep Your Mouth Healthy It takes more than just regularly brushing and flossing to keep your teeth healthy. According to the Oral Health Foundation, preventive dentistry is necessary for healthier gums, regardless of your age. Furthermore, it helps reduce the possibility of getting costly dental treatments in the near future since it addresses oral problems before they can worsen. Page | 1

2. Preventive Dentistry: What’s it all about Preventive dentistry usually entails a thorough dental cleanup and removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth. After that, any fillings are checked. It also often includes a lecture on how to properly care for your teeth (correct way of brushing teeth, how to properly floss, etc.) and a discussion on your diet and personal habits like smoking and drinking. It will also involve some discussion with your dentist about the most suitable dental products for your personal use. They may also recommend measures to strengthen your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients of all ages should visit the dentist at least once every six months for preventive dentistry. This practice helps prevent cases of cavities, gum diseases, and gum sensitivity due to consistent enamel wear. In addition, preventive dentistry can also reduce the possibility of developing such dental problems as impacted teeth and bad breath. Preventive dentistry also involves consultations between the dentist and his patient to come up with strategies to nip oral health problems in the bud. Common Procedures in Preventive Dentistry The following is a more detailed list of preventive dentistry measures you can expect on a visit to your dentist: Full Dental Examination Your dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly to search for potential sources of teeth, gum, and mouth problems. Some of their findings may require immediate attention such as cavities that might need fillings or extraction of impacted teeth. Page | 2

3. X-ray Sometimes, the cause of possible dental problems is not visible to the naked eye. Getting a mouth x-ray will assist in diagnosing potential problems such as TMJ, impacted teeth, and cysts or tumors. Fluoridation Patients that are deemed at risk of developing dental caries (i.e. kids that are six years or younger) are given either a 2.26% fluoride varnish or 1.23% fluoride gel. After a professional cleaning, the fluoride gel or foam is placed in mouth-shaped trays and inserted into the child’s mouth for a few minutes of soaking. The dentist will ask the patient not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after the application for maximum fluoride absorption. According to the ADA, it is important that fluoride is regularly applied in small amounts during the period when a child’s teeth form for longer-lasting protection from dental plaques and cavities. It is recommended that children be exposed to topical fluoride every 3 to 6 months to avoid cases of fluorosis or over-fluoridation. The procedure can also help adults to prevent the possibility of cavities. Thorough Dental Cleaning This means scraping plaque and tartar along and below your gum line to prevent buildup that causes several types of gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath. It also entails polishing and flossing your teeth. The main goal of preventive dentistry is to keep potential oral problems at bay. These procedures help reduce the possibility of getting complicated dental procedures to save your teeth. Page | 3

4. About Finger Lakes Family Dental: Our family dentist provides patients with preventive dentistry advice and procedures to achieve better oral health. We offer a full range of general family dentistry services, cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well treatments for periodontal diseases and sleep apnea. We also straighten teeth using Invisalign, a more comfortable alternative to braces. Sources: What Is Preventive Dentistry?, HealthLine.com Caring for Teeth: Preventive care and oral hygiene, DentalHealth.org Topical fluoride for caries prevention, AmericanDentalAssociation.org Page | 4