Your permanent teeth are with you for life. If they become damaged, you have the option of utilizing restorative dental techniques. However, your teeth cannot heal or grow back like other body parts. That's one reason why preventative dental care is so important. Preventative dental care allows you to keep your teeth healthy throughout your life. Your regular dentist can offer all the preventative dental care services you need. Here are four specific services that can help you preserve your teeth:
1. Patient Education
One of the most important services a dentist can provide is patient education. Understanding how to care for your teeth is the first step in preventative dental care. The correct tooth brushing technique can prevent gum erosion and clean away plaque. Your dentist can demonstrate the ideal way to floss and brush your teeth. They may ask questions about your current oral care routine and suggest improvements based on the condition of your teeth.
2. Dental Examination
Your dentist will check your teeth for symptoms of wear and decay. They will use a small hand mirror to examine the areas of your teeth that are difficult to see. Your dentist will also take x-rays, which will be used to check the interior of your teeth annually. Regular dental exams serve an important diagnostic purpose. If you visit your dentist at least twice a year, they can treat tooth problems that arise.
3. General Cleaning
Your dentist will also perform general cleaning on your teeth as part of your preventative care. Your dentist will polish your teeth at your biannual appointment. They will also floss between your teeth. If you have tartar buildup on your teeth, your dentist will scale your teeth to remove it. Tooth scaling can also protect your gum health. Preventing gum disease is very important since gingivitis can lead to gum erosion over time, which can loosen your teeth and make them unstable.
4. Child-Specific Services
Kids also need preventative dental care, but their needs are different from those of adults. Children may not brush their teeth as thoroughly as adults, due to shorter attention spans and less dexterity. Your family dentist can help you protect your child's teeth by applying a fluoride treatment at the end of every dental appointment. The fluoride treatment will harden your child's tooth enamel, which can prevent decay. Dentists can also provide dental sealants, which will further protect your child's teeth from decay.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!