Preventive Dentistry

A beautiful and healthy smile supports your general well-being and boosts your confidence. In attending routine check-ups and practicing correct oral hygiene, it is possible to keep your smile healthy, in addition to the remainder of your body. Once you experience an infection in your mouth, the bacteria may spread to the remainder of your body, which leads to a greater complication risk with systemic illnesses. A few common diseases connected with poor oral hygiene include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and pneumonia.

If you have the desire to get the best for your overall well-being, it’s important to invest in preventive dentistry care. Thankfully, you may evaluate this care without having to undermine your finances, as the majority of insurance policies cover the treatments. Many dental professionals have membership plans that help to maintain your dental care regimen for better overall health. Read further for more details on preventive dentistry care that will help you accomplish optimal mouth health.

Preventive Dentistry: What is it?

Preventive dentistry involves treating and diagnosing issues with your gums and teeth to sustain solid dental and overall well-being. Some common methods of caring for the health of your mouth include attending consistent dental checkups and practicing correct oral hygiene. Preventive dental care is a partnership between the dentist and you to ensure your oral condition remains in top condition.

Everyone may benefit from preventive dental care, but kids appreciate the most benefits, since their teeth are still in the developing stages. Preventive dental care helps to avoid future problems, which includes gum disease, enamel wear, and tooth decay. It’ll encourage good health habits of the mouth like flossing and brushing on a daily basis. With preventive dental care, it is possible to catch oral health issues early before they grow worse and become more complicated.

Common Preventive Procedures

Preventive dentistry includes frequent and consistent trips to a dentist. Work with the dental professional and devise a plan that is appropriate for your unique oral situation. Seeing a dental professional at least two times per year not just offers specialized checkups and cleanings but also assists you in saving money in the future by treating dental problems early.

Below is a list of common preventive procedures:

  • Examinations: Exams form a critical aspect of preventive dentistry. The dentist fully examines your teeth and gums for decay and disease, in addition to any indications of oral cancer. Besides reducing your risk of systemic and oral illnesses, you additionally receive professional tips on efficiently taking care of your teeth.
  • X-Rays: Your dentist in Spokane, Dr. Jonathan Smith, will use a digital camera that captures an accurate picture of your condition. An x-ray helps identify dental problems that are invisible during a visual examination. Those include tumors, abscesses, poor tooth positioning, bone loss, and other types of issues below the gum line.
  • Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and a little bit below your gum line. Also, they remove extrinsic tooth stains, potentially causing discoloration.
  • Fluoride and Sealants: They’re coatings that the dental professional applies on the teeth to prevent decay and strengthen the enamel. Fluoride acts as a barrier that prevents bacteria from destroying the teeth enamel. This procedure is perfect for children, the ones who have elevated bacteria levels, and people who have sensitivity problems or dry mouth. Sealants designed of biocompatible resin get brushed on in layers in order to fill grooves and pits that trap bacteria. Sealants keep food from adhering to the teeth and raising your risk of decay.
  • Mouthguards: If you’re involved in highly physical activities or sports, it is always recommended to use a mouthguard. They protect your gums and teeth from damage caused by accidents or trauma.
  • Education: The dentist keeps you updated on your oral well-being and provides expert advice on the ideal method of taking care of you and your children’s teeth. Plus, you’ll receive advice about the best innovative tools and products that make taking care of your gums and teeth more effective and easier.

Keep the Basics in Mind

Preventive procedures may be successful only if you do your part. Practice these tips to keep your oral well-being in good condition:

  • Brushing: It’s important that you brush your teeth two times per day, in the evening and morning. Use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
  • Flossing: Correct flossing gets rid of food particles between the teeth in which a toothbrush might not reach. Floss on a daily basis to prevent the accumulation of bacteria from turning into plaque and tartar.
  • Diet: Consume a healthy diet for a gorgeous smile. Include food sources that are rich in vitamins, consume a lot of water, and restrict your sugar consumption to keep your gums and teeth disease-free.
  • Routine Check-ups: Keep in mind to go to your checkups twice a year and more often if you’re susceptible to dental issues. Try to set a reminder on the calendar and budget for procedures to ensure your dedication.

What Isn’t Considered Preventive Dentistry?

After understanding what preventive dental care entails, it’s important that you know what doesn’t count as preventive dentistry. Knowing the differences helps you prepare effectively for your oral well-being.

Any procedure with the goal of treating already existing problems doesn’t count as preventive dentistry. Those include major treatments such as tooth fillings, oral surgery, orthodontics, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, and periodontal treatments. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening don’t fall into the preventive dentistry category.

Preventive dentistry is vital at all stages of life. The more committed you are to being involved in good oral habits, the lower your risk of disease and decay, and the less you will have to visit the dentist! With help from our Spokane dentist, it is possible to learn the ideal method of taking care of your health and enjoying a brilliantly gorgeous smile for a lifetime.

Support Your Mouth’s Health While at Home

In order to reap the complete benefits of preventive dental care, you must take responsibility for the health of your mouth. You may do that by brushing two times per day to keep the teeth clean and flossing on a daily basis to get rid of food trapped between your teeth in which a brush might not reach. Doing so helps to prevent particles of food from becoming plaque, which potentially causes gum disease and tooth decay.

While brushing your teeth, you should also scrape the tongue to avoid bacteria build-up. It’ll also help your sense of taste and your tongue’s appearance. Finally, attend consistent check-ups to maintain the health of your mouth and catch any problems before they grow worse.

To find out more information on preventive dentistry at our Spokane dentist, please feel free to get in touch with member of our friendly dental team representative at Spokane Dental right away at 509-822-5614.