Overview and Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Our oral health is of tremendous concern because it directly affects our overall health and wellbeing. Poor dental hygiene is associated with a myriad of health problems that are not only limited to dental problems. Hence, people, in general, deeply care about their oral hygiene and undertake extensive dental routines to ensure that they have perfect teeth. However, brushing and flossing are sometimes not enough to provide proper care to a person’s teeth, and this is where preventive dentistry near you comes in. Preventive Dentistry in Ellicot City includes a set of examinations, procedures, and dental interventions that ensure that a person does not develop any serious dental problem and aims to prevent dental diseases altogether.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is when a dentist near you examines your teeth for possible problems and recommends a solution to prevent future dental issues. Usually, a dentist near you recommends dental exams every six months to address dental problems, performs a dental cleaning, and suggests adequate brushing and flossing to protect your teeth from possible future ailments. In some cases, a dentist might even suggest other preventive treatments such as fluoride treatment or dental sealants as part of preventive dentistry near you. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the several dental services that form part of preventive dentistry and look at the benefits of preventive dentistry.
Preventive Dentistry Services
There are several services that come under the umbrella of preventive dentistry in Ellicott City. Here is a list of some common preventive dental services.
Dental Examinations – Dental exams are your first line of defense when it comes to appropriate dental care. Dentists suggest that people get their dental exams every six months because it allows them to address problems in their early stages, if not completely allowing them from happening. During an exam, a dentist takes a close look at your teeth and other oral structures to make sure everything is in order.
Dental Education – It is very common for general dentists to advise their patients on how to maintain proper oral hygiene. They will guide you on how to adequately brush your teeth and educate you on the importance of flossing and regularly using mouthwash. They might also advise you on your diet to facilitate your oral health.
Dental Cleaning – A hygienist usually performs a thorough dental cleaning of your teeth to make sure that there are no pockets of bacteria or plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. A dental cleaning ensures that bacteria do not form cavities and protects your teeth from future attacks when coupled with proper brushing and flossing.
Other Treatments – Some more dental procedures are usually considered part of preventive dentistry too. These include fluoride treatments that are performed to strengthen tooth enamel and dental sealants, which are thin coats that protect a tooth’s enamel from bacterial attacks. Fluoride treatment and dental sealants are excellent preventive measures in dentistry.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry helps people in a number of ways. Here is a list of benefits that people can expect after preventive dentistry appointments.
- During preventive dentistry, dentists perform regular dental exams where they closely examine your oral structures to ascertain whether everything is alright. Through these examinations, a dentist can rule out dental problems or intervene to treat an issue in its nascent stages.
- If you visit your dentist for preventive care regularly, you significantly decrease your risk of developing many serious dental issues. People who get their dental exams every six months have a very low risk of developing gum disease, cavities, and even tooth decay. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are extremely effective in preventing many tooth ailments that could otherwise occur.
- People who are already suffering from certain medical conditions can particularly benefit from preventive dentistry. Diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis, among others, can have an impact on your dental health as well; hence it is essential that such individuals visit their dentists for preventive care as it will help them avoid unnecessary discomfort in the future.
- Preventive dentistry helps educate people on adopting better dental practices that contribute to a lower risk of developing dental ailments, reducing future dental bills. Dental education is a tremendous advantage of preventive dentistry.