Five Benefits of Preventive Dental Care
Every day we engage in basic preventive dental care like brushing and flossing. But, because of our lifestyle and dental practice, we need other preventive measures to keep our teeth functioning properly. That’s where preventive dentistry in Oshawa, ON, comes in. Our services are geared to helps support your teeth and overall wellness.
Getting preventive dental services offers great benefits such as:
1. Prevention of Dental Caries
Decay and cavities are common complaints affecting children and adults alike. Although most of us maintain the proper dental practice, at times, plaques may still develop. This will lead to food particles and plaque accumulation on the teeth and gum line, increasing the risk of decay.
Additionally, the consumption of sugary treats can also affect the teeth. The bacteria in our oral cavity breaks down the sugar, producing acid. It is this acid that attacks the enamel and makes it more prone to decay.
It is through professional deep cleaning that the dentist can remove any plaque buildup from the teeth and underneath the gums. Also, dental decay is a silent problem, meaning it does not show symptoms until the condition is advanced. With regular dental checkups, our Oshawa dentist can detect cavities and begin the treatment on time.
If your child is at risk of developing cavities, the dentist may recommend dental sealants. These are plastic or glass ionomer coatings applied to the teeth to shield them from bacterial attacks. These sealants are usually applied on children, but adults with healthy teeth free of fillings can also get them.
These plastic coating can last for a decade, but they need constant checkups to ensure they don’t have cracks.
2. Strengthens the Teeth
The enamel is durable and strong, however, factors like demineralization can cause the teeth to weaken. Demineralization is the process of stripping calcium and phosphate minerals from the teeth. These minerals give the teeth their strength and once they are stripped out, the teeth can become weak.
The enamel can reverse this process if provided with fluoride. Using fluoride toothpaste can help with the re-mineralization process and thereby strengthen the teeth.
Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter and makes teeth less prone to developing cavities. The dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments if you have a dry mouth, which increases the risk of decay. You can get the treatment every three, six, and twelve months.
If you suffer from bruxism, it can cause the teeth to weaken. Using mouthguards may help keep your teeth strong and free from the pressure of bruxism. Several options are available, but the most suitable type is the custom-made mouthguards.
3. Detects Oral Cancer
As part of the routine dental checkup, the dentist will do an oral cancer screening. This is more of preventive dental care and not diagnostic because it cannot confirm if the abnormal cells are cancerous or not. The dentist will do visual and physical tests to check for abnormal growth, cells, and tumors. If there are any lacerations, the dentist may recommend a biopsy to confirm if they are cancerous or not.
4. Lowers Risk of Developing Gum Disease
When plaques buildup and harden, it increases the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease needs immediate treatment to prevent gums from receding and exposing the roots. Professional dental cleaning helps to remove tartar from the gum line.
5. Helps to Identify Other Health Problems
Several studies suggest that there is a link between your dental health and overall wellness. For example, gum disease increases the risk of heart health. Also, your gum condition can reveal problems with blood glucose, before the symptoms manifest. Regular dental assessments can help the Oshawa dentist to detect any problems with your health early in advance.
Bottom Line
It is recommended that you get regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride treatments and using dental sealants are also preventive measures that you can take advantage of to maintain your teeth healthy.
Visit Conlin Dentistry to learn more about our preventive dentistry services and how they can benefit you.