If you would like to have a great smile throughout your lifetime, it’s important to take good care of your teeth. In addition to getting annual checkups and having cavities filled, you need to follow a regular schedule of preventive dental protocols. These treatments can help your teeth last longer and stay stronger.
Your local dentist can offer a consultation to explain the best oral care options and review the available preventive treatment plans. Overall, the goal is to get your mouth and teeth healthy and then use on-going care programs to assure that good oral health continues into the future.
Preventive dentistry offers many benefits in addition to improved oral health. It will help you avoid costly problems later on, preserve your permanent teeth and keep you smiling brightly every day. There are several types of preventive treatments to consider.
Cleaning Your Teeth (Prophylaxis)
One of the best options for improving the health of your teeth and mouth is to schedule regular cleaning of your teeth. During this procedure the dental hygienist will be able to perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth, including those hard to reach places that most brushing misses. They remove and prevent the buildup of plaque and help make sure that your gums continue to be healthy. They will also polish and examine your mouth and teeth. Scheduling regular teeth cleaning helps you stay ahead of problems and improves your oral health.
Dental Hygiene Evaluation and Training
Part of your time with the dental hygienist will be devoted to reviewing and evaluating your daily oral care regimen. Suggestions about the best way to brush and floss may be offered and the dentist or hygienist may also suggest important options that can help preserve your teeth. One example is the use of a guard to help prevent grinding your teeth during the night. When you grind your teeth, you break down the structure of the tooth and create problems that will result in expensive tooth repairs. A night guard cushions the teeth and protects them from further damage.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is often applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth in order to help improve their resistance to decay. This treatment works for both children and adults. Fluoride may also be applied along the gum line as a means to desensitize adult teeth. There are even special fluoride prescriptions that can help reverse small cavities deep between the teeth.
Sealants
Many of us remember having lots of cavities when we were kids. Preventive dentistry now offers treatments that cover the surfaces of the back teeth in children with a plastic sealant. This dramatically reduces the incidence of back teeth cavities at an early age.
For the best protection and care of your teeth be sure to schedule regular appointments for preventive dentistry. By following this approach, you will greatly improve your oral and dental health and help assure that your teeth are in great shape for years to come.
