Why is preventive dentistry important
You know that daily brushing and flossing are key components in maintaining your oral health. You know that avoiding sugars and starches can help prevent tooth decay. You know that eating a healthy, balanced diet contributes to a strong immune system and a healthy mouth. Well, there’s one more step you should take to ensure you do not develop problems with your teeth and gums: preventive dentistry. A general term for dental treatments that keep oral health problems from developing, preventive dentistry is a must for everyone, especially children. The most common preventive dentistry procedures are regular checkups, administering sealants, fluoride treatments, and applying space maintainers.
Regular Checkups
We recommend checkups every six months so that we can keep abreast of any changes occurring in your mouth. Any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, if caught early, are easily managed. Regular checkups are especially important if you are prone to developing oral health issues. High risk groups for dental problems include smokers, diabetics, and sufferers of chronic dry mouth. Your six-month checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer, so you should be vigilant about keeping your appointments.
Sealants
A sealant is a plastic resin that is bonded into the depressions of the back teeth, protecting the tooth enamel from acids and plaque. Sealants are usually applied to the teeth of children and teenagers, as they are more prone to developing cavities. However, adults with certain conditions such as xerostomia are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay and are therefore good candidates for sealants.
Fluoride Treatments
Your teeth lose minerals from their enamel every day through a process known as demineralization. This process occurs when acids, caused by plaque bacteria, attack the tooth enamel. Fluoride is a mineral that contributes to the remineralization of your tooth enamel, which means it can make your teeth stronger and more resistant to the attack of acids. Fluoride can even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can take the form of an oral supplement or a topical application to the teeth.
Space Maintainers
When children lose their baby teeth too soon, it may take a while for their permanent teeth to erupt and fill in the gaps. When there are spaces between teeth, your teeth will naturally start to shift because they have the room to do so. If this happens, your permanent teeth will come in crooked. To prevent the shifting of teeth, Dr. Denes can place a space maintainer in the gaps to save a place for the permanent teeth and prevent any problems with jaw and bone development.