Preventive dentistry keeps your teeth and gums in great condition so you can avoid dental problems in the future. It’s easier to keep up routine dental care rather than dealing with the stress and expenses of a major issue down the road! Regular dental cleaning and check-ups are among the most important measures you can take when it comes to your family’s dental health. We recommend that children and adults are examined at least twice a year.
Exams and Cleanings/Deep Cleanings (Scaling)
- It’s recommended to see the Dentist for a routine check up and cleaning every 6 months. According to the CDC, nearly 1 out of every 2 (46%) adults over the age of 30 and 70.1% of people over 65 have gum disease.
- X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. They help dentists diagnose common problems, such as cavities, gum disease and some types of infections. Radiographs allow dentists to see inside a tooth and beneath the gums to assess the health of the bone and supporting tissues that hold teeth in place.
Sealants
- A dental sealant is a plastic coating designed to protect the bicuspids and molars. Applied to the chewing surfaces of those teeth, it keeps plaque and acid from eating away at the enamel. Because the grooves on the bicuspids and molars help to grind food, certain food particles can collect in those grooves and pits, resulting in tooth decay. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis removes some particles and bacteria, but not all. Therefore, a sealant for teeth is sometimes necessary to protect those areas in the back of your mouth that brushing and flossing can’t reach.