Preventative Care

What are the benefits of preventive dental care?

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Preventive dentistry is the bedrock of a happy, healthy smile. Cleanings and exams on a regular basis help identify and correct minor issues before they become major and costly difficulties. Preventive dental care, in addition to a thorough at-home brushing and flossing practice, can help prevent dental problems from developing. A beautiful, healthy smile may be maintained with regular, inexpensive efforts in dental hygiene.

TREATMENTS WITH FLUORIDE

Fluoride treatments can be readily added to any preventive dental appointment to help prevent tooth decay. After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it away. Fluoride attracts beneficial minerals such as calcium and phosphates, which attach to your teeth and help them re-strengthen.

DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental sealants are commonly used on children who are at risk of cavities, but they are also beneficial to patients of all ages who want to protect their teeth from decay. Dental resin will be placed to the back teeth, which have deeper grooves and crevices where plaque and germs can lurk, during this treatment. A UV light will solidify the resin, providing a strong barrier that prevents food particles, acid, and bacteria from contacting your enamel. Dental sealants, when correctly applied, can last for years!

PERIODONTAL CARE

Patients who suffer from gum disease are at risk of tooth loss and other complications. The first stage is gingivitis, which can be reversed with deep cleanings and at-home care. Patients with gum disease can regain control of their dental health by visiting the dentist for regular checks before it's too late!

Patients with advanced gum disease should get deep cleanings every three months or so, which can help to slow the spread of periodontitis and protect their oral health.

SCREENINGS FOR ORAL CANCER

Dental cancer screenings are an important aspect of maintaining good oral health. It is possible to save a patient's life by detecting oral cancer early on before it spreads. That's why, at every bi-annual visit, we look for any possible indicators of oral cancer.

Your dentist will look for lesions, lumps, discolored patches, and other abnormalities in your mouth, gums, and other oral tissues. If anything appears to be out of the ordinary, a biopsy might be obtained and sent to a specialist for additional examination. Oral cancer is uncommon, but it's crucial to be proactive and stick to a consistent oral healthcare practice so your dentist can spot problems early.

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