It is important to keep a regular preventative maintenance schedule to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease and avoid costly procedures and extra time in the dental hygiene chair. Your preventative dentistry schedule should ideally consist of preventative dentistry services at home and the dentist's office.
Preventative dentistry - at home
A regular home prevention routine should ideally consist of brushing at least twice and flossing at least once per day. Besides, special kinds of toothpaste, rinses, and flossing aids can help you keep your smile bright and healthy.
Diet also contributes to your oral health to a large extend. Consuming acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel, while a balanced diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Preventative dentistry - at dentist's office
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least two times a year for your routine dental checkups.
Dental emergencies can strike anyone at any time, but if you commit to regular preventive care appointments, you will likely experience fewer problems over time. Therefore, it is important to have your professional cleaning done with a registered dental hygienist as a proactive approach to your dental health. This enables the dentist to address your dental issues before getting worse. Even if you take care of your teeth with the best oral care regimen at home, deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to areas of the teeth. If left untreated, they flood toxins into the gums resulting in chronic dental problems, even resulting in tooth loss.
At your regular checkup at our dental office, we will remove the accumulated tartar using professional instruments so as to save the teeth from irreversible damage. This also helps slow the yellowing of teeth while maintaining a glassy surface for better cleaning.
Oral Cancer Screening
At your visit to our dental office, we will examine the tissues of your mouth, including gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. We also look for any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, and if we detect some, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab. This is done to detect any possibilities of oral cancer at its earlier stage itself, as this can significantly increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. It is not easy to detect the cellular changes below the surface until they've advanced to a critical stage. We will also evaluate any other abnormalities and determine if they should be monitored or removed.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and it affects about 30% of the adult population in the U.S. The condition can be controlled with a strict professional hygiene regimen and consistent dental care practices at-home care.
Gum disease can develop and progress with few signs or symptoms in the early stages. Regular professional dental exams, dental cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices at home are vital to detect and strategically manage periodontitis before getting worse.
Want to know more about preventative services? Book an appointment with us to know more.