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What Is Preventative Dentistry?

March 22, 2020

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Having proper dental care is essential to your oral health. From the time we are old enough to remember, we’ve been taught to brush our teeth daily, remember to floss and rinse. You should stay away from sugar in food and drinks, and many more tips and tricks. While these are excellent ideas to follow, there is also another element you need to remember, visiting your dentist regularly. 

Preventative dentistry is any service that stops issues with your teeth and gums. Keeping gums and teeth healthy includes halting the formation of cavities and tooth decay, as well as periodontal disease. In this article, we’ll go over the different services that would be considered preventative and are most likely covered under most insurance plans. 

Tooth and Dentist

Types of Preventative Dentistry Services

Most every dental office, family, and general dentist, offers preventative dentistry. It is the cornerstone of good oral health. But what is considered preventative care? How often are you supposed to go? What happens if you don’t go to the dentist for a few years? Please take a look at the options for preventative care and a few reasons why they are essential to your oral health.

Cleanings

Most of us have had a dental cleaning. This is the best preventative treatment you can have. Cleanings remove debris, plaque, and tartar that will contribute to tooth decay. The longer tartar is left to sit on the teeth and below the gum lines, the more damage that can happen. Bacteria and tartar will cause the gum line to recede and cavities to form. During a cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will clean all areas of the teeth, even between, to make sure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Exams

Dental exams are a must for identifying and more substantial issues that should be addressed. During an exam, your dentist will look for signs of wear, tooth decay, gum disease, changes in the alignment of your teeth, and even signs of oral cancer. Exams are a must for patients and should be done every six months.

X-rays

Depending on your dental office, you might have digital x-rays or traditional ones. State of the art dental offices will offer panoramic digital x-rays that allow the dentist to get a more accurate and detailed view of your entire mouth and an even clearer picture under the gumline. X-rays should be done every year to monitor for changes.

Fluoride Treatments

Every day your teeth lose minerals. If minerals aren’t replenished, the enamel of your teeth will wear down. Because of the demineralization process, it is vital to have fluoride. While you can get some from what you eat, and the toothpaste you use, the treatments you receive in your dental chair is much more concentrated. 

Sealants

The application of sealants is to prevent decay in the tops and pits of your teeth. A sealant can be applied to where your teeth touch, also known as the bite. This stops decay from happening as inside the ridges are most common to develop cavities (tooth decay).

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How Often Should You See Your Dentist?

It’s recommended that people, regardless of age, should be visiting their dentist every six months. Once a year, you should be getting x-rays to monitor for changes with your oral health. During the six month checkup, your Carrollton dentist will provide cleaning as well as an exam. If desired or if covered by insurance, a fluoride treatment can be provided as well. 

For more information on preventative dentistry, visit Josey Lane Dentistry online today. 

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