What Is Preventative Dentistry?

Your oral health affects more than just your smile. It can also impact your general health and contribute to conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, dementia, pregnancy complications, infertility, kidney disease, and cancer. Preventative dentistry refers to a series of at-home activities and in-office dental services designed to keep the teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and free of decay. Working with a trusted Clermont family dentistry practice like Hancock Village Dental can help keep your smile bright and healthy.

Importance of Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dentistry plays a key role in proper dental health and wellness. Modern dentistry has greatly advanced in recent decades and most local dentists are equipped with the tools and equipment needed to resolve a wide range of dental problems. However, it is best to avoid these issues in the first place. Preventative dentistry focuses on avoiding dental problems rather than waiting for problems to occur and then treating them.

Through preventative care, both children and adults can avoid or minimize the risk of many oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), and erosion of tooth enamel. As the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, both good and bad, it is important to maintain a proper balance. While you may depend on your Clermont dentist to help keep your teeth clean and healthy, patients must also take a direct role in their own dental care.

Common Preventative Treatment Services

Preventative dental care provides patients with many benefits. It promotes good oral health, prevents tooth decay and gum disease, and benefits your overall health. It also helps to minimize the time and cost of treatment, as well as reduces dental problems associated with oral cancer, diabetes, eating disorders, and osteoporosis. At Hancock Village Dental, we offer a variety of preventative oral health services, including:

Dental Exams

Dental exams are a critical component of preventative dental care. During a routine exam, your hygienist or dentist in Clermont will visually inspect your mouth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Many routine exams also include a visual evaluation of your face and neck to check for abnormalities. Your dentist may discuss your oral hygiene habits and diet, and recommend positive changes to your lifestyle to improve your oral health.

X-Rays

Dental x-rays, also known as radiographs, consist of images of your teeth that a dentist can use to evaluate your oral health. X-rays typically use low levels of radiation. This gives dentists a better look of the interior of your gums and teeth. With these images, your dentist can identify problems like tooth decay and impacted teeth. Dental x-rays are often performed on an annual basis as part of a patient’s routine dental exam.

Dental Cleanings

Many dentists recommend that patients have their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. During a routine cleaning, a hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth using a small mirror and scaler. Next, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to give the teeth a deeper clean. Dental cleanings end with an expert flossing and rinsing of your mouth to remove any debris.

Sealants

Dental sealants are often offered to patients as a way to protect the teeth from damage. This plastic, thin coating is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth, especially in the grooves of the premolars and molars. The sealant bonds to the depressions of the teeth to form a protective barrier that wards off tooth decay. Sealants can protect teeth from tooth decay for up to 10 years before they may need to be replaced.

Your Role in Preventative Dental Care

Preventative dental care begins at home. Patients can help keep their teeth and gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also important to floss daily to remove stuck-on food before it turns to plaque. Finish with a mouthwash to rinse away food particles.

Schedule a Visit With Hancock Village Dental

Ready to visit our dentist in Clermont, FL for a dental exam, cleaning, or other preventative treatment? Contact the friendly dental team at Hancock Village Dental today.