What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry isn’t just about maintaining your smile; it’s about keeping you beaming with
confidence. So, what exactly is it? Well, think of it as your dental shield, guarding your teeth and
gums from potential trouble.
Who is preventative dentistry for?
Good news – preventive dentistry doesn’t discriminate. It’s for everyone, from kids to
grandparents. Whether you’re starting your dental journey or have a few miles on the odometer,
you can benefit from these proactive dental treatments.
Why Should You opt for Preventive Dentistry?
Here’s the scoop: Preventive dentistry isn’t just a dental habit; it’s a life habit. It’s like putting on
sunscreen before heading out in the sun – it protects you from harm. By investing in preventive
dental care, you’re not just saving your teeth; you’re saving on future dental bills too!
Types of Preventive Dental Treatments
Let’s dive into the toolkit of preventive dental care:
● Teeth Cleaning: Think of this as a refreshing spa day for your teeth. Regular cleanings
banish those pesky plaque and tartar invaders, leaving your teeth feeling brand new.
● Dental Hygiene: It’s not just brushing and flossing; it’s the secret sauce to maintaining
that pearly white glow. We’ll show you the ropes.
● Dental Sealants: These little heroes act like shields, guarding your molars against
cavities. Think of them as your teeth’s personal bodyguards.
● Tooth Decay Prevention: We’ve got tricks up our sleeves to keep tooth decay at bay.
From fluoride treatments to dietary tips, we’re all about prevention.
● Cavity Prevention: Catching cavities early is our superpower. We swoop in, fix them up,
and send you on your way with a smile.
● Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease? Not on our watch. Regular check-ups and
cleanings help us keep your gums in tiptop shape.
What Can I Do To Keep A Healthy Set Of Teeth?
Preventive dentistry encompasses all those simple procedures aimed at either preventing problems before they get started or with simple treatments that prevent a larger problem from developing. No one wants to spend hours in the dental chair having complicated and expensive treatment done, so regular visits and good preventive maintenance will always save time and cost in the long term and keep your healthy smile on your face.
Preventive dentistry starts with you and good home care and your dentist will be able to show you the best way to achieve this. Brushing, flossing, mouthwashes, inter-dental cleaners are all excellent aids to good home care, but you must know how to use them to your best advantage.
How Does My Diet Affect My Teeth?
Your diet, the types of foods you eat and drink, and how often you eat are major factors influencing dental health. In these days of fast food, and pre-packaged meals, the 24 hour per day availability of food is not only a problem for our waistlines, but the teeth and gums can suffer from a poor diet, or constant snacking.
Your dentist can help you understand which foods are bad news for your teeth, and how to minimise the damage our modern diet can do to your teeth and gums.
Does Medication Affect My Teeth?
Many people on long term medications for their health problems will need regular preventive dental visits.
Many medications will affect the health of the teeth and gums, particularly those that affect the quality and quantity of saliva that your body produces. People with low salivary flow or poor quality saliva have a higher rate of dental decay, hole in gum and more severe gum disease. They will need special home care routines to maintain their oral health and may need specialist care.
How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?
Most people should attend the dentist every 6 months, but many of our patients that we have been looking after for a long time come yearly, as we know they have healthy mouths, low risk of problems, and have demonstrated a high level of home care.
Is Preventive Treatment Important For Children?
Preventive care is most important for children during their growing years. While the permanent teeth are developing, baby teeth are present and are important to guide the position of permanent teeth erupting into the mouth. Baby teeth are small and delicate and decay quickly if not looked after. Often decay starts between the baby molar teeth where it can’t be seen without x-rays until it is too late and the tooth has been badly damaged.
The permanent teeth are most susceptible to decay in the first 1-2 years after they appear in the mouth. This is the best time for fissure sealants and fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel and seal any pits and grooves where food will catch and start a cavity developing.
What About Babies And Toddlers?
Your child’s first teeth are very important and must be cared for, as decay can start early in life, and can be very damaging to the health and well-being of young children. Thankfully, we rarely see severe decay in young children now, as water fluoridation, and better education of new parents has improved the health of our children’s teeth.
Can You Catch Orthodontic Problems Early?
From an early age we can detect problems with the development of the teeth and jaws, tooth alignment and space problems that may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment. Many of these issues can be identified and corrected, returning growth to normal, and reducing the need for more complex and costly treatment later on. It is not necessary, nor is it wise to allow orthodontic problems to wait until all the permanent teeth are through. In many cases, waiting too long before starting orthodontics will lead to a compromised result, longer treatment time, and an increased risk that healthy permanent teeth will need to be removed to achieve straight teeth.
Your dentist will be able to give you the best advice and the most appropriate preventive dental treatment to keep you and your family’s teeth and mouths feeling and looking great.
FAQs
Can Preventative Dentistry Help Minimise Plaque Buildup?
Absolutely! Our preventive dentistry services include expert cleanings and advice to keep
plaque at bay, so you can say goodbye to that fuzzy feeling. Although, clients must take it upon
themselves to follow hygiene practices, such as cleaning your teeth regularly, flossing and
following up with your dentist every six months.
What is the Preventive Phase of Dental Care?
Picture it as the first line of defense. Preventive dental care is crucial – it keeps you safe by
stopping problems before they start. Preventive dentistry and dental care includes but is not
limited to regular dental check-ups, teeth cleaning, dental hygiene education, and the
application of dental sealants. Most importantly, preventive dental care helps you in preventing
gum disease and tooth decay before they become a serious issue.
What’s the Difference Between Prevention and Treatment in Dentistry?
Prevention in dentistry refers to proactive measures taken to maintain oral health as well as
prevent dental issues from occurring. This includes dental preventive treatment, teeth cleaning,
dental hygiene practices, dental sealants, and strategies for cavity and gum disease prevention.
On the other hand, treatment in dentistry involves addressing existing dental problems, such as
filling cavities, performing root canals, or treating gum disease. Prevention aims to stop issues
from developing, while treatment aims to remedy existing ones.
What is Restorative and Preventive Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged teeth or addressing existing dental
problems. This may involve procedures like fillings, crowns, or root canals. Preventive dentistry,
on the other hand, is all about regular dental care and dental appointments to maintain oral
health and prevent issues from arising.
This includes dental preventive treatment, teeth cleaning, dental hygiene, dental sealants, and
strategies for tooth decay and gum disease prevention. Both restorative and preventive dentistry
are essential aspects of maintaining a healthy smile, with prevention serving as the foundation
for long-term oral health.
At Your Healthy Smile, we’re not just about teeth; we’re about you. Our mission is to make
preventive dentistry a breeze, so you can flash that confident smile every day. Ready to embark
on your dental adventure? Book a dentist appointment today, and let’s start your journey to a healthier,
happier mouth!