Preventive Dentistry - All You Need To Know

Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth and gums on a regular basis to avoid the need for extensive dental work in the future. By maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and a healthy diet, you can significantly decrease your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

What Are The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a way of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. Cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are an important way to remove plaque from your teeth and prevent cavities. Regular dental visits can help you avoid problems from developing in the first place.

Here is how preventive dentistry can help:

• Prevent gum disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to painful symptoms. This condition is common in adults but can also occur in childhood. While gum infections are painful, they can be prevented.

Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in the plaque around the teeth are not removed effectively. This causes infection and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The plaque that builds up on the teeth is sticky, which is why it’s usually difficult to remove with just brushing and flossing alone. This is why regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups are also essential to preventing gum disease.

• Prevent dental caries

Your dentist may recommend preventative dentistry services to help prevent dental caries. This is a common condition that occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acids, which demineralize the hard tissues of the teeth.

• Prevent dental erosion

Preventative dentistry includes methods designed to prevent the detrimental effects of oral bacteria. One of the common side effects of poor oral hygiene is dental erosion. Dental erosion is caused by the acidic byproducts of the bacteria in plaque, which eat away at tooth enamel. Preventive dentistry prevents dental erosion and supports oral health. 

What Are The Four Basic Steps of Preventive Dentistry?

The four general steps of preventive dentistry are:

• Regular dental exams

The only way to detect tooth decay and gum disease at their earliest stages is by scheduling regular dental exams. At these exams, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, jaw, and tongue. We will also check for signs of oral cancer.

In between dental exams, you should maintain good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as visiting our dental office for your regular cleanings and exams.

• Teeth cleaning

Routine teeth cleanings at a dental office include the removal of plaque and tartar, as well as polishing your teeth. The removal of plaque and tartar helps to prevent oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Your dental hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove stains and plaque that you are unable to remove at home.

Root planing and scaling, also known as deep cleanings, are preventative dentistry procedures that get deep into the gum pockets and between the teeth. These procedures are not typically performed during routine cleanings but are often necessary if a tooth is suffering from gum disease.

• Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to a person’s back molars. The back teeth are the most susceptible to cavities because they are hidden inside the mouth. A dental sealant is applied to teeth as a liquid and quickly dries to form a protective shield.

• Custom-fitted mouthguards

A custom-fitted mouthguard prevents clenching and grinding of the teeth, which wears down tooth enamel. A mouthguard also protects the lips and cheeks from being damaged by the teeth.

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.