Preventive Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry
Did you know that most oral health problems are preventable and can be easily treated in their early stages?
The two most common problems are tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can be prevented. Home care is really important and by getting into the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing or cleaning between your teeth every day, you will be on the right track to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Regular dental checkups are also important because only a dental professional will be able to detect any early signs of disease and treat that as soon as possible.
Who is preventive dentistry for?
Preventive dentistry is for everyone at any age.
Children:
Teaching children the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day and getting them into the habit of having regular dental checkups will help keep their teeth and mouth healthy. It’s recommended that children have their first dental checkup at 1 year of age. Often this can just be having the child sit in their parent’s lap for the dentist to have a quick look. Your dentist will also be able to give you advice on dietary habits that can have a big impact on your child’s teeth.
By starting these checks so early, your dentist will be able to become a partner to ensure your child has good oral health. As your child gets older, the dental checkups will include a professional clean and often the application of fluoride treatment. All of these will contribute to keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Adults:
Having good oral hygiene at home is essential for everyone. Did you know that in Australia only 48% of adults brush their teeth twice a day? A recent survey found that 48% only brush once a day or less often!
The importance of brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, cannot be underestimated. Other preventive methods such as regular dental checkups can help detect early signs of oral disease.
Your dentist will also give you a professional scale and clean and a fluoride application to help improve both your teeth and gum health. In addition, anyone who has other medical issues such as being immunocompromised or being elderly will benefit from regular dental visits to prevent further oral health complications.
Why is preventive dentistry so important?
Preventive dentistry is important because it will help you significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, enamel loss, periodontitis, and other common dental problems. There are also benefits beyond healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. As a bonus, by keeping your mouth clean and healthy, you can reduce the risk of developing other general health problems, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Another advantage of preventive dentistry is that it can save you time and money, by preventing serious dental issues from occurring.
What does dental care involve?
A wide range of measures are involved in the prevention of dental health problems.
In general, these measures will include:
● Daily brushing and flossing: This is the most important step in your oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing or cleaning between your teeth once a day can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
● Maintaining a healthy diet: Try and limit sugary food and drinks to the occasional treat. Water is the best everyday drink.
● Professional teeth cleanings: Having your teeth professionally cleaned at Castle Hill Dental Care, will ensure that plaque and tartar are effectively removed. This will help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Your regular dental check-up includes a complete professional cleaning and fluoride application.
● Comprehensive oral examination: During your regular dental check-up, your dentist will perform an oral examination of your teeth and mouth, to check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems.
● Diagnostic tests: Your dentist may want to take some X-rays, to diagnose any problem in more detail and create a treatment plan.
● Oral hygiene training: It’s important to have your dental professional explain the most effective way for you to take good care of your teeth and gums. By teaching children oral hygiene at an early age, you are helping to ensure that they maintain this positive behavior into adulthood.
Common Problems Due To Lack Of Preventitive Dentistry
TOOTH DECAY
Tooth decay occurs when the plaque that usually develops on your tooth’s surface is not brushed away regularly. The sugars in the food and drinks that we consume, react with the bacteria in plaque and create an acid that is the beginning of tooth decay. That’s why twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular dental checkups are so important.
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque along the gumline. The bacteria in plaque feeds on sugars that we consume from food and drinks, causing an acid. If the plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, this can cause inflammation of the gums. Gum disease can vary from a mild, reversable form called gingivitis to a more serious infection called periodontitis. By brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning in between your teeth by flossing or using interdental brushes and having regular dental checkups and professional cleaning, you can help avoid serious gum disease.
