preventative care
Prevention leads to a healthy smile
Preventative Care
Preventative Care? Important Preventative Dental Treatments That Will Keep You Smiling!
Dental health is important for your overall health, yet so many people forego regular dental checkups and cleanings. In fact, according to the CDC, only about 60% of adults aged 18 years and over visited a dentist in the past year. It’s easy to understand why people might avoid going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is real, and it’s estimated that about 30% of American adults experience some level of it. On top of that, dental care can be expensive. But what many people don’t realize is that preventative dental treatments are important for saving money in the long run. Here, we will explore 5 important preventative dental treatments that everyone should consider.
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Preventative Dental Treatments Thorough Oral Examination
A thorough oral examination is one of the best preventative dental treatments available. This simple procedure can detect problems in your mouth before they become serious, and it can also help you identify areas where you may be at risk for future problems.
During a thorough oral examination, your RGV Family Dentistry professional will take a close look at your teeth, gums, and other structures in your mouth. He or she will also feel for any lumps or bumps that might indicate a problem. In addition, your dentist may use special instruments to get a better view of all the structures in your mouth.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to discuss them with your dentist during your next appointment. A thorough oral examination is an important part of maintaining good oral health, and it can help you avoid serious problems down the road.
Oral Hygiene and Cleaning
Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. If you have braces or other dental appliances, you may need to brush and floss more often.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease if they’re not removed. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone around your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist or dental hygienist for regular cleanings, and eating a healthy diet.
You don’t visit a dentist every six months
There are a lot of reasons to put off going to the dentist. “I’ll keep it short and sweet” was one answer when this survey asked people why they visit the dentist. But that doesn’t mean skipping out on dental checkups is a good idea. Every six months, routine visits will keep gum disease and tooth decay—the chief culprits for losing your teeth—in control. Yet only 43% of Americans visited a dentist in the last year, according to recent survey by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Semi-annual dental visits are recommended because when you visit your dentist every six months most problems are small and can be easily corrected. If unchecked cavities and periodontal problems advance, teeth may need to be extracted, and once that happens, you could be into the denture scenario.
Placement of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventative measure that can be taken to help protect teeth from cavities. They are usually placed on the back molars, where cavities are most likely to develop. The sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth. It acts as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting into the tiny crevices in the tooth and causing decay.
Sealants can last for several years and need to be reapplied if they start to wear down. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.
Home Care Education
Preventing dental problems starts at home with good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthrinse. A healthy diet is also important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause tooth decay, and eat plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables, which help keep your gums clean.
In addition to practicing good at-home dental care, it’s important to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can remove built-up plaque and tartar that you can’t reach with a toothbrush, and they can spot early signs of dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease. Seeing your RGV Family Dentistry professional regularly is one of the best ways to prevent serious dental problems down the road.
Your gums are red, swollen, tender, or bleeding
If your gums are red, swollen, tender, or bleeding, you may have gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth. Dentures can help to treat and prevent gum disease by providing a barrier between your gums and the bacteria in your mouth.
Dentures can also help to improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth. Dentures can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
If you are considering dentures, be sure to consult with Dr Luz Martinez at RGV Family Dentistry to discuss whether dentures are right for you.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the most important preventative dental treatments available. Fluoride helps to protect teeth from decay and is vital for strong, healthy teeth. Fluoride treatments can be delivered in a number of ways, including:
Topical fluoride treatments: These are applied directly to the teeth and help to provide protection against tooth decay. They can be applied at home with a toothbrush or by a dental professional.
Systemic fluoride treatments: These are taken internally and help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. Systemic fluoride treatments are often prescribed for children and adolescents.
Fluoride varnishes: These are applied directly to the teeth and provide long-lasting protection against tooth decay. Fluoride varnishes are often used in high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes or gum disease.
Fluoride treatments are an important part of maintaining good oral health and should be considered for all patients, especially those at high risk for tooth decay.
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