You have probably heard a thousand times and over that prevention is better than cure, and it also applies to your oral health. When you have an early dental appointment, you allow your dentist to detect cavities, gum diseases, and enamel wear issues before they progress. Dr. Samantha Ben-Ezra Washington offers preventive care to help you maintain an attractive and healthy smile.
As the name suggests, preventive dental care aims to help you avoid oral health issues commonly resulting from bacteria. The good news is that you can achieve oral hygiene with preventive care besides regular dental practices. Here is a discussion on preventive dental care treatments your dentist can recommend.
Oral Examinations
During your dental appointment, your dentist may perform a comprehensive oral exam, including oral cancer screening, to examine your mouth for oral cancer. Your dentist may also use diagnostic X-rays to detect bone loss, tumors, decay, and cysts. X-rays may also help your dentist identify tooth and root locations during surgery.
Oral exams may also include examining your gums and surrounding bones for potential gum disease. Additionally, your dentist may use oral exams to check your fillings, implants, and crowns. Regular checking of current restorations ensures you are not developing possible dental defects.
Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning involves plaque removal as it can potentially cause gum inflammation and cavities if not removed. Continual plaque buildup may eventually lead to tartar which builds up on your teeth surface. Tartar removal may require cleaning with special dental tools.
After successfully eliminating plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth, you may need teeth polishing. Your dentist may polish teeth to help clear stains and plaque on your teeth’ surface. As a result, your teeth will have a cleaner and whiter appearance.
Placing Dental Sealants
Preventive care may include applying a dental sealant on your back teeth since you use them more for chewing. A dental sealant shields your teeth from bacteria and debris that cause tooth cavities, thus protecting you from tooth decay. Before applying your sealant, you will require thorough dental cleaning to remove stains.
After your teeth are dry, your dentist will apply a dental sealant to your grooves. Next, your dentist will use a laser to harden the sealant and let it solidify with your teeth for maximum protection. After solidifying it, your dentist will inspect the sealant before letting you leave for home.
Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist may administer fluoride treatment to fortify your teeth by allowing minerals to fuse to the deteriorating teeth’ enamel area. Fluoride also prevents the production of acids from bacteria, thus preventing tooth decay. Although fluoride is similar to the ones in your regular toothpaste, the one in your treatment usually contains higher doses of fluoride.
The benefits of fluoride treatment include helping your body use minerals more efficiently to repair weak enamel. Fluoride also joins your developing tooth structure to strengthen your teeth’ enamel and make them less vulnerable to bacteria and cavities. Lastly, it slows the development of bacteria by harming cavity-causing bacteria.
Aside from regular dental cleaning habits like brushing and flossing, you may need preventive dental care. While you can remove plaque at home, you cannot remove tartar without professional help. Preventive care helps you avoid most oral health conditions to give you a healthy smile.
Your doctor may recommend oral examinations, dental cleanings, and fluoride treatment during your appointment. You may also receive education you can continue at home to help you ensure optimal oral hygiene. Then all you will need are follow-up treatments to check on the treatment progress.
