Learn the Importance of Preventative Dentistry

What is Preventative Dentistry?

Preventative dentistry is the practice of taking good care of your teeth to avoid enamel wear, gum disease, cavities, and many other dental problems.

ADA recommends that you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss them daily, and visit a dentist for dental cleanings at least twice a year. This article will help you understand how you can keep your teeth healthy with preventative dentistry.

Common Preventative Dentistry Services

As stated, brushing and flossing your teeth daily is not enough to maintain proper oral hygiene. That’s why you need to have a plan with your dentist for regular checkups. Common services in these plans include:

• Oral exams after every six months
• Teeth cleaning from time to time to maintain your beautiful bright smile
• Routine X-rays to look for any abnormalities

Depending on the plan you choose, it might or might not cover full preventative care.

Your Role in Preventative Dentistry

In as much as the dentist has a role to play in this plan, most of the work should be done by you. You need to develop a healthy dental habit which can help prevent gum disease and cavities. Here are some pointers to help you.

Brush your teeth after every meal. If not, ensure to brush them at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Your dentist will teach you the proper brushing techniques and recommend the right toothpaste.

Floss your teeth daily. Food caught between your teeth turns into plaque and plaque leads to infections. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after flossing to remove food particles. It will be zero work if you floss then leave the removed particles on your teeth.

Avoid foods with acid in them. These kinds of foods can harm your enamel Avoid hard foods. Only eat them when it is necessary. Foods such as candies, foods with seeds, bones, and others can chip your teeth. Get a nighttime mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.

Dentists Who Offer Preventative Care

Preventative dental care can be offered by any qualified dentist. Also, any dental specialist can offer the service. Talk to the dentist near you and see if he/she can help you out.

A General Dentist

Sometimes he is called a family dentist. This dentist will provide you with services such as teeth cleaning, oral exams, and X-rays. He will guide you to master proper dental care for yourself. He can refer you to another specialist if need be.

A Pediatric Dentist

This is the kind of dentist you should have for your children. He will guide your kids into maintaining proper dental hygiene and avoiding habits such as finger and thumb sucking. A pediatric dentist will continue seeing your kids, probably even through their teen years. He provides services such as fillings, extractions, and oral surgeries if need be.

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

Poor oral hygiene is the mother of most dental issues. If you maintain good dental hygiene, then you will enjoy benefits such as:

• A decreased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems
• Instills proper oral hygiene habits.
• Any problems are identified early and fixed before they become serious
• Saves you money. Once dental problems are prevented, it means you won’t have to use a lot of money in the future to fix them
• Helps prevent chronic conditions associated with poor oral hygiene. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

How Much Does This Care Cost?

The cost of preventative dental care varies since it is affected by various reasons. The most common ones are the plan you choose and where you live. The cost may be covered by your insurance or not. Be sure to contact your provider for clarification.

Quantum Dental

Quantum Dental is the place you can find the best dentist in Boynton Beach, FL. Contact us today and be ready to receive the best services in the region. We are here for you even if you require emergency dental services. We are open on Saturdays, so if you are busy during the week, you can book an appointment on the weekend.