Decay and gum disease are the two leading causes of tooth loss. Early detection and treatment of these issues can help you avoid going through the painful, costly process of losing your teeth and then paying for dental restoration solutions.
Preventive dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with managing oral health, preventing tooth decay, and treating dental diseases. People of all ages, from infants to the elderly, can benefit from preventive dentistry. To give you an idea of what to expect when you visit a Greenville, SC family dental office for preventive dentistry, here are some procedures that may be carried out:
In-Clinic Oral Examination and Patient Education
If you’ve been on a dentist’s chair a time or two, you have nothing to worry about. This part of the preventive care procedure is just like a routine checkup of your oral health. During this examination, your dentist will assess your oral health to determine if you would need any sort of treatment. Your dentist will also show you the best ways to take care of your mouth and teeth using the toothbrush, floss, and other oral care products. Afterwards, the dentist will talk to you about your lifestyle to further improve your dental and oral health.
Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment
Prophylaxis is a dental cleaning procedure that can remove stains, bacteria, and plaque buildup that normal brushing cannot get rid of. It is recommended that you come in for this procedure every six months to protect your teeth from cavities. After the prophylaxis, your dentist will treat your teeth using fluoride to guard them against decay. Fluoride treatment, however, is not the same in every case. Each patient will undergo a risk assessment first to determine the right approach and amount of fluoride needed.
Using Sealants
Since you cannot hope to reach every area in your mouth with a toothbrush, your dentist might deem it fit to use sealants on your teeth. Sealants are applied on biting surfaces of your teeth to make them smoother, easier to clean, and more resistant to decay. It is also effective in reducing risk of pits and fissures developing on the chewing surfaces of your permanent molars and premolars. As with fluoride treatment, your dentist will first assess the need for sealant placement.
Preventive care is one of the most cost-effective dentistry strategies. Bring your entire family in for preventive care at your most trusted Greenville family dentistry office like Falls Park Dentistry at least twice a year for best results.
Sources:
Preventive Dentistry: Care Today, Savings Tomorrow, YourDentistryGuide.com
Preventive care and oral hygiene, British Dental Health Foundation