Prevention is safer, simpler, and more affordable than extensive treatment. Preventative dental care is pivotal to your overall health because it is the best way to protect you from major dental complications.
Preventative care starts at home by practicing certain healthy habits like brushing and flossing every day. We also provide top-notch preventative care at Turnagain Dental to give our patients the long-term security that they need. Preventative care is important at any age. For children, it allows their permanent teeth to grow into the mouth strong and healthy. For adults, preventative care can help them keep their natural teeth and avoid replacing failing or missing teeth with artificial restorations. Preventative care allows our patients to save money, avoid pain, and skip the anxiety associated with surgery or other significant dental treatments.
What Does Preventative Dentistry Prevent?
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss caused by gum disease
- Jawbone deterioration and an aged facial appearance
- Bad breath from food and bacteria trapped in the mouth
- Expensive and intrusive dental care down the line
- A crooked and unattractive smile
- A dysfunctional and painful bite
- Severe toothache due to decay or infection
- Extremely worn teeth
Preventative oral health care is more important than ever, as experts believe the health of the mouth is linked to overall health and well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer. Women with poor oral health are more likely to give birth prematurely or to low birth weight babies. Therefore, you can understand how critical it is to adopt and commit to good preventative oral health care habits.
Preventative dental care is also good for your wallet. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy, you can avoid problems that require costly, complicated treatment in the future. While brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly cannot completely eliminate your risk of oral health problems, these practices can significantly reduce your chances of ending up with hefty bills for root canal therapy, fillings and tooth replacements.
Healthy Gums
The health of the gums is as important as the health of the teeth, and our team can help you avoid developing gum disease with special preventative measures. Periodontal disease ravages the gums and threatens the structures that hold the teeth in place. As gum disease progresses, it can damage the bone supporting the teeth and cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. We do everything we can to prevent gum disease and to detect it in its earliest stages, before it causes widespread damage.
Preventative Care Procedures
Diagnostic Exams and Cleanings
Even if you have great oral hygiene habits, bacteria can find a way to damage your smile. Dr. Kennedy will look for any indications of issues so that he can provide treatment before the problem grows. Dental professionals will use advanced tools to remove the most stubborn bacteria from your gums and teeth to ensure optimal oral health.
Oral Hygiene Education
Our dental professionals know the most effective ways to help you and your families understand the importance of at-home care. We can answer any questions you may have about proper diet and nutrition or brushing and flossing techniques and materials.
Fluoride and Sealants
Fluoride is a natural mineral that promotes strong, healthy, and functional teeth. We provide a fortifying fluoride treatment that safeguards patients from tooth decay. We may also place sealants into the molars. This thin layer of plastic resin smooths out the grooves and crevices of the teeth, and eliminates hiding places for smile-threatening bacteria.
Athletic Mouthguards
Severe dental accidents occur on the field or the court all of the time, so we place a special emphasis on sports dentistry. Our custom-made athletic mouthguards will protect the mouth and face from permanent damage during any kind of athletic activity.
FAQs
What is preventative dentistry?
Preventative dental care focuses on maintaining the health of your mouth. The two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. It is better to prevent these issues before they occur, ensuring that you keep your teeth for life.
During a dental examination, you can expect the following to take place:
- Dr. Kennedy will check your gums and teeth and discuss any treatments you may need to maintain or improve your oral health.
- You may be given information on proper dental hygiene, including how to properly clean between your teeth with floss or interdental tools.
- Specific oral products may be recommended to you, such as mouthwashes containing varying concentrations of fluoride.
- Your prior dental work, such as fillings, will be checked to ensure they are in good condition.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease diminishes your oral health and can lead to tooth loss if not treated appropriately. It is primarily caused by plaque buildup, which leads to infection of gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Establishing a solid oral hygiene routine is the first step to preventing gum disease. A few preventative measures include:
Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing help remove food particles and debris that are stuck between your teeth and gum line. Ensure that you are using a toothbrush with the appropriate hardness for your teeth and gums. Using a toothbrush that is too hard may lead to gum bleeding and damage, and using one that is too soft may be ineffective at removing plaque. Dr. Kennedy can recommend the right toothbrush for you.
Understand your risk: Age, diet, and health can all put you at risk of developing periodontal disease. Dr. Kennedy can help you understand your risk and recommend a course of treatment to help prevent this condition.
How important is flossing?
Even the best toothbrushes cannot fully reach certain areas between the teeth. It is recommended that you floss at least once per day to remove plaque and leftover food particles from the gum line. Plaque, the sticky film that clings to teeth, feeds on the food left behind in your mouth, especially sugary foods, and can harm your smile. Plaque that is not removed properly hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally. Flossing daily helps reduce plaque buildup and significantly contributes to the health of your gums and teeth.
How often should I have dental checkups?
You should schedule dental checkups at regular intervals recommended by Dr. Kennedy. For many patients, one visit to the dentist every six months is enough. However, every patient is different, and you may need more frequent checkups based on your needs.
Why do I need dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are a necessary part of your preventative treatment. They help Dr. Kennedy gain a full understanding of your overall oral health and dictate your treatment plan. Serious dental issues can be detected with X-rays and treated sooner, including:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay, including decay beneath fillings
- Bone loss
- Infection
- The location and position of teeth that are impacted
- Abscessed teeth
What are the benefits of preventative dental care?
Preventative dental care is an important part of maintaining the health of your mouth. Benefits include:
- Prevention of tooth decay
- Prevention of periodontal disease
- Early detection of dental issues that can lead to pain and tooth loss
- Early detection of oral cancer
Preventative dentistry is far more comfortable than involved treatments. We would love to hear from you at Turnagain Dental. Give us a call to schedule your preventative appointment today!