Preventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry is the foundation of exceptional oral health. Taking care of your teeth starts early in childhood and requires maintenance as you grow older. Regular dental visits in conjunction with dental hygiene will give you the benefits for a lifetime. Routine oral exams along with x-rays and dental cleaning are highly recommended at least once every 6 months.

It starts with you! Developing good habits reduce the chance of cavities, gingivitis, and another gum disease occurring. Here is a list of activities that will help you achieve outstanding oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Better yet, consult your dentist about what toothbrush and toothpaste would be best for you. Your hygienists can also further instruct you on how to properly brush your teeth.

• Floss. Floss. Floss. It will clear out food stuck between your teeth. Left out food turns into plaque that contributes to cavities and gum disease. Be careful not to glide the floss into your gums that could potentially damage or bruise them.

• Rinse with mouthwash right after flossing to eliminate excess food particles.

• Abstain from acidic foods as they tend to harm the tooth’s enamel. Enamel serves as a protective barrier against tooth decay, without it your teeth are more susceptible to harmful substances.

• Be mindful of your diet. Intake of hard foods such as candies, food with bones, seeds, or pits could heavily damage and chip your teeth.

• Quit smoking and avoid any tobacco products as this could result in further dental complications and cancer.

• Use a mouth guard when playing contact sports to avoid injury.

• Use a night guard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw unconsciously at night.

• General Dentist (also known as Family Dentist) is your main dental care provider who diagnoses & treats your overall oral health. Routine exams, x-rays, and teeth cleaning should be regularly booked with dentists, so that, they can identify any potential problems before they become troublesome. Our team of family dentists may also refer you to dental surgeons if you need further care.

• Pediatric Dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating dental problems in children. Children can visit a pedodontist as soon as their first teeth erupt and until they reach their teenage years. Pediatric dentists are skillfully trained in managing children’s behavior and handling the constant demand of children’s dentistry.

Preventive dentistry for children begins as soon as the first teeth erupt. It is important to address the problem before they become disturbing or worst, costly. Here is a list of services you can take advantage of to promote good oral health for your children:

• Good Dental Habits: brushing, flossing, thumb sucking guidance, eating foods that will help improve dental health; foods that are good sources of calcium and avoiding carbohydrates and sugar as much as possible.

• Regular dental visits every 6 months for oral exams with routine x-rays to track development

• Frequent Teeth cleaning

• Opting for fluoride rinse or a varnish and polish

• Sealants

No, fillings are not considered preventive dental care. Fillings belongs to “basic restorative” category together with extractions and root canal therapy. These services are subject to a fee depending on your individual dental policy.

• You would be less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease

• Early detection of dental problems minimizes the consequences and cost of further oral complications

• Obtaining professional advice pertaining to problems related to the jaw, mouth, and neck

• Lowers the risk of dental problems due to underlying medical conditions like diabetes, anemia, stroke, epilepsy, and osteoporosis. These medical conditions directly impact your dental health; hence, your dentist could take accurate measures and give timely warnings

Most insurance policies cover preventive dental services. Kindly check with your insurance company for any information related to diagnostic and preventive services. Please take the time to understand the current limitations, frequencies, and maximums that are in effect with your dental benefits.