How Preventive Dentistry Keeps Our Teeth Healthy Across Ages
Preventive dentistry is a modern way of keeping our oral cavity healthy. It helps to keep our teeth strong and healthy hence reducing the need for dental treatments. Since tooth decay and gum disease are the leading causes of tooth loss, you should prevent the two to keep your teeth intact.
There are many forms of preventive dentistry including brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. Therefore you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive procedures. These procedures are designed to keep your teeth clean, strong, and white. You should also teach your child good oral hygiene practices.
Who Benefits From Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry benefits anyone with their natural teeth. However, people with no teeth can still benefit since regular visits will help spot denture stomatitis and oral cancer. Preventive dentistry is more beneficial among children, but it is never too late to start.
Preventive Dentistry Procedures
There are several procedures used by a dentist in Markham, ON, when you seek preventive dental care. They include:
- Professional Dental Cleaning
Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. During this procedure, the oral hygienist will remove any plaque that may cause tooth decay or gum diseases from areas you don’t reach while brushing.
- Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens your teeth and prevents decay. It can also treat cavities in their early stages. For those patients who do not get enough treatment, dentists administer these treatments. Dentists apply fluoride directly on your teeth and only need a single visit to complete the procedure.
- Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin coating that dentists apply on the surfaces of your back teeth, preventing them from decay. The sealants seep into the pits on your tooth surface and prevent the growth of cavities. Your dentist can also recommend preventive resin restorations to prevent decay.
- Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screenings help oral health specialists to spot any signs of cancer. It is treatable in its early stages, thus the earlier the detection, the less complex the treatment.
- Salivary Diagnostics
Although salivary diagnostics is a relatively new term, some dentists use saliva tests to diagnose certain diseases.
- X-Rays and Laser Decay Scans
To detect tooth decay and gum disease, your dentist can use x-rays or laser technology. Once he or she has seen signs of decay or gum disease, the dentist will recommend a treatment aimed at the prevention of dental caries.
What Is Dental Erosion?
Dental erosion is the loss of your enamel as a result of an acid attack. Once the enamel is eroded, it becomes sensitive and painful.
To prevent dental erosion, try and have acidic foods only once in a while and drink citrus drinks through a straw. Also, do not brush your teeth an hour after eating anything. Your enamel loses some of its minerals when you eat or become soft. Therefore, when you brush your teeth immediately, your teeth will be subject to erosion.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and periodontitis. In this case, you will be able to reduce further complications associated with poor oral health. Such problems include:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Respiratory diseases
- Cancers
- Degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis
In addition to preventing diseases, preventive dentistry saves the cost of treatments. However, preventive dentistry does not prevent all dental problems.
Home Remedies to Promote the Health of Your Teeth
It is important to follow some home remedies to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Dentists recommend you to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice in a day especially before going to sleep
- Spit out after brushing and do not rinse your mouth for a while to absorb the fluoride
- Uses a dental floss to clean between your teeth
- Use antiseptic mouthwashes to eliminate bacteria from your mouth
- Cut down your intake of sugary foods
- Chew sugar-free gums
- Visit your dentist regularly
Preventive Dental Care by a Dentist
Do you need preventive dentistry services? At New Delhi Dental, our team uses the most incredible technologies and procedures to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong. In our mission to provide you with quality services, we offer a range of options. Please book an appointment with us.