Types of Preventive Dentistry | Preventive Dental Care Treatments

There are various preventive dentistry treatments for maintaining a healthy smile. Preventive dental care is covered under several dental plans. This makes the services readily available for kids and adults. Continue reading to learn about types of preventive dental services and their benefits.

Different Types of Preventive Dentistry

Here are the different types of preventive dental care treatments:

1. Regular Dental Exams and Professional Cleanings

Dental checkups and comprehensive cleanings are an essential part of preventive dentistry. They are carried out at least twice annually, even when you have no existing health problem. Our dentist examines your mouth, gums, teeth, and jaws and then cleans them thoroughly.

The evaluations help the dental professional to monitor your oral health. Therefore, changes indicating oral health issues are identified and addressed before damage occurs. In addition, dental exams enable our dentist to detect gum disease, oral cancer, TMJ disorders, heart disorders, and diabetes.

Our dentist also identifies problems with oral structures and jawbones through x-rays. This expert will then perform the necessary treatments before the minor issues compromise the patient’s health. An example is diagnosing an impacted wisdom tooth and extracting it before it leads to teeth crowding.

Comprehensive dental cleanings are carried out to supplement patients’ daily oral routine. The dental hygienist will clean all mouth areas, eliminating debris, plaque, and tartar. Routine dental cleaning helps prevent teeth decay, cavities, and periodontal diseases. The cleanings also remove and keep off teeth stains giving you a whiter, healthier smile.

2. Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the dental enamel, reducing decay, cavities, and enamel erosion. Our dentist in Boynton Beach administers fluoride treatments at the dental practice. This expert also prescribes fluoride supplements to individuals who need them.

3. Dental Sealants

These are plastic coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. This method of preventive dentistry is recommended for kids and adults. The application procedure is fast, easy, and pain-free.

The thin plastic sealant is applied to the deep grooves and pits found in the back teeth. They cover these areas, making them easier to clean. In addition, dental sealants seal out bacteria and plaque from teeth. They effectively prevent tooth decay.

4. Athletic Mouthguards

A mouthguard is a device worn over teeth to protect them from getting damaged due to trauma. Sports or athletic mouthguards are used by people who participate in contact sports such as football. They are designed to cushion the impact on teeth and jaws in case of an accident during a game. The devices can be obtained from a sporting goods store or a dentist’s office.

Dentists customize mouthguards according to an individual’s mouth specifications and the sport. Custom-made guards offer the ultimate level of protection against dental trauma. They prevent issues such as broken, cracked, chipped, and knocked-out teeth.

5. Diet

The dentist will help you identify and consume foods that positively impact your long-term oral health. These include calcium-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, they exclude sugars and carbohydrates that lead to dental plaque.

Importance of Preventive Dentistry

The benefits of preventive dentistry include:

• Treatments provided in preventive dentistry lower your risk of developing oral health issues. They help prevent dental decay and gum disease.
• Early identification and intervention of dental problems help you avoid invasive treatments.
• Oral health problems like bad oral breath and tooth discoloration affect a person’s self-esteem. Preventive dentistry helps you regain your confidence and social life.
• The practices also prevent unnecessary costs of treatment by preventing oral health issues. For example, dental sealants prevent decay. Not getting them may lead to tooth extractions and restoration treatments which are more costly.
• Regular dental checkups by a dentist involve comprehensive exams. They help identify life-threatening issues such as oral cancer, diabetes, and heart disorders. Treating the problems early may help save the patient’s life.

Visit a Preventive Dentistry Near You

Contact us at Quantum Dental for preventive dentistry in Boynton Beach, FL to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.