Preventive Dental Care
Muscle Shoals, AL
 Prevention is undoubtedly better than an attempt at a cure in terms of health. The same can be said about dental health care.
At Singing River Dentistry, we know what it takes to prevent those expensive treatments.
Thankfully, our dentists are here to help. Our dental team might suggest an initial treatment plan to improve your oral health, followed by a personalized maintenance plan to help you sustain it.
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What Is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dentistry is a contemporary approach aimed at maintaining a healthy mouth. It focuses on preserving your teeth, thus reducing the necessity for extensive dental procedures. The primary causes of tooth loss, namely decay and gum disease, can be better managed through preventive measures.
By addressing these issues proactively, the likelihood of retaining your teeth throughout life increases. Collaboration between the dental team and the patient plays a crucial role in preventing the need for treatments, mainly fillings and extractions.
What Does Preventive Dental Care Do?
Preventive dentistry encompasses dental services provided by your dentist to decrease the likelihood of developing oral health conditions. These conditions can be costly to treat and uncomfortable to experience.
The services falling under preventive dentistry include diagnostic procedures used to detect signs of oral problems early. These procedures consist of oral evaluations (check-ups), X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments (especially for children), and sealants.
Additionally, preventive dentistry involves educational instruction provided by your dentist or dental hygienist. This includes guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, the use of oral hygiene aids, and counseling on nutrition and tobacco cessation.
For children, preventive dentistry may also include space maintainers. In specific cases, resin restoration medications are applied to teeth, typically for children at a high risk of developing decay. These preventive services are termed as such because they allow dentists to monitor oral health, prevent new dental issues through various treatments, and detect signs of oral health problems early.
Can I Benefit From Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dentistry offers benefits to all individuals with natural teeth as well as those without. Even people without any natural teeth can benefit, as regular dental visits can help detect and treat conditions like mouth cancer and denture stomatitis.
This approach is particularly beneficial for children and young individuals, yet there is always time to begin reaping its benefits.
What Is My Role in Preventive Dental Care?
Keeping up a solid routine at home plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. To start with, brush your teeth before going to bed and at least once more during the day, using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush in the manner demonstrated by your dental team.
After brushing, spit out the toothpaste and refrain from rinsing with water. This helps the fluoride to remain on your teeth longer, enhancing its effectiveness.
It would help if you cleaned between your teeth using interdental brushes or floss. Remember, brushing alone cleans only about 60 percent of the teeth surfaces. Incorporate a mouthwash into your routine. Most mouthwash products contain antibacterial agents to stop gum disease and fluoride to help combat decay. For best results, avoid using mouthwash immediately after brushing. Using it between brushing sessions ensures prolonged protection for your teeth and gums.
What Preventive Dental Care Services Are Available at Singing River Dentistry?
Singing River Dentistry puts a significant focus on preventive dentistry. We want to keep your oral health in place so you will never need implants. Our preventive oral health services include:
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental exams with professional teeth cleaning are essential in preventive dentistry, aiming to reduce or prevent oral health issues. These routine check-ups and cleanings are vital for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.
One of our professionals will perform oral prophylaxis. It helps eliminate the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Even with regular brushing and flossing, these deposits can develop over time. Dental professionals use specialized tools to remove these deposits gently. If plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be effectively removed by a dental professional.
Oral Cancer Screenings
The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early when there is a greater chance for a cure. Our dentist usually performs an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Some dentists may use additional tests to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.
Fluoride and Sealants for Kids
We offer fluoride sealant for kids as well. In children and teens aged six and up, cavities often occur on the chewing surfaces of their permanent back teeth. Fluoride varnishes and dental sealants can be helpful in preventing cavities.
A fluoride varnish is a thin coating of fluoride that a dentist puts on the teeth. Fluoride treatments can also strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. These treatments are often applied during regular dental check-ups and can benefit children as their permanent teeth come in.
Periodontal Care for Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is one of the most dangerous oral conditions. It must be kept in check by regular cleaning and close monitoring. If not treated, periodontitis can result in losing teeth.
Treatment might include thorough dental cleaning by a hygienist or a dentist. For advanced gum disease, your dentist might recommend deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline.
Mouth Guards for Protection
Engaging in sports such as boxing, wrestling, soccer, and hockey increases the chance of chipping or knocking out teeth. Mouth guards can significantly lower this risk. We offer the appropriate prescription for mouth guards after an examination of your oral health.
Night mouth guards also prevent teeth grinding (also known as bruxism), protecting teeth from its effects. When on braces or aligners, you might also need mouth guards. This is because the brackets and arch wires can harm your cheeks and lips if a sports impact hits your mouth or face.
Schedule Your Appointment for Preventive Care in in Muscle Shoals, AL
Dentists all over the world recommend preventive oral health care to curative. This is because you can never recover a tooth once you lose it. With preventive care, you can live with your healthy teeth for a lifetime. At Singing River Dentistry, we are pleased to guide you through your oral care. If you want to learn more about preventive oral health, reach out to us by calling us at 256-712-3186.
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