Preventive Dentistry: Things You Need To Know
Preventive dentistry is ideal for caring for the teeth and preventing oral health problems, including cavities, enamel wear, and gum disease. Preventive dentistry in Redding advises that it is best to brush twice daily and visit a dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?
The benefits of preventive dentistry are immense, especially in children. Preventive dentistry is beneficial in helping children develop strong and healthy adult teeth. Also, having good oral hygiene can improve overall health. Preventive dentistry helps prevent cavities and gum disease and reduces the risk of health problems such as diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Furthermore, preventive dentistry aids the early identification of oral health problems. Its cost is cheaper than treating oral health problems.
Who Provides Preventive Dental Care?
Dentistry is broad; there are different branches of dentistry that specialize in specific areas of dental care. Specialists in preventive dentistry are general dentists and pediatric dentists.
- General dentists: these specialists can identify oral health problems before developing; they also provide tips on maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Services a general dentist offers are oral examinations, professional teeth cleanings, dental fillings, and X-rays.
- Pediatric dentists: are specialists in providing dental care for kids through their teenage years. They provide services such as tooth extractions, dental fillings, and surgeries. It is best to visit a pediatric dentist near you as soon as your kids grow their first tooth.
Preventive Dentistry Services
Apart from oral examinations and early diagnosis of oral health problems, preventive dentistry services include;
- Frequent teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Routine X-rays for tracking the development of jaw and teeth
- Dental sealants
- Referrals to orthodontists and other dental specialists when necessary
Preventive Dentistry At Home
Preventive dentistry at home involves maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Preventive dental care at home includes;
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste: It is best to replace toothbrushes three to four times annually or as soon as the bristles fray. When brushing, also pay attention to the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Flossing daily to remove stuck food: Flossing helps clean the spaces in between the teeth. It is best to ask your dentist for a flossing demonstration to know how to floss your teeth properly.
- Using mouthwash to remove food particles after flossing
- Avoiding hard foods such as candies and bones. Hard foods can damage and chip the teeth
- Limiting acidic foods. They can harm the tooth enamel
- Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco products. They can cause cancer and severe dental problems.
- Use mouth guard during sports to protect the teeth from injuries and trauma
- Use a nighttime mouth guard to reduce teeth grinding and prevent gum recession
- Eating a balanced diet. You can get essential nutrients for developing healthy teeth when you eat a balanced diet.
- Limiting sugar intake. Sugary foods can reduce the risk of developing tooth decay.
Cost of Preventive Dentistry
Usually, insurance plans cover the total cost of preventive dentistry. However, there are limits to the frequency of preventive dental care annually. It is best to discuss with your insurance provider to understand the full details of your insurance coverage.
Where to Get Preventive Dental Care
There are dentists near you that provide preventive dental care. Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Redding? You can use an internet search to find pediatric dentists in 96001. The search engine will provide a list of preventive dentists near you.
Conclusion
Preventive dentistry is beneficial in detecting and treating oral health problems before they fully develop. Good oral hygiene with regular oral examinations and teeth cleaning can improve overall health. Visit a dentist near you today for preventive dental treatment.