The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” applies to your oral health. Regular preventive dental care reduces your family’s risk for costly procedures like root canals and crowns.
Preventive dentistry includes routine cleanings, dental exams, x-rays and fluoride treatments. It also addresses underlying issues that cause problems like halitosis or gum disease.
Dental Cleanings
Teeth cleanings are an important part of preventive dentistry santa rosa ca. They remove plaque and tartar that a toothbrush cannot reach, which helps reduce gum disease and tooth decay. They also polish the teeth to remove minor stains, keeping the smile bright.
In addition to brushing and flossing, patients should be sure to schedule regular cleanings every six months. These visits give our dental hygienists the chance to spot potential problems early, and they can offer insights and tips on oral hygiene.
Preventive care can save you money in the long run. It can help you avoid costly treatments for cavities, worn enamel, and more.
A healthy mouth is linked to a patient’s overall health. It can lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and respiratory infections. In addition, it can reduce the severity of issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The best way to ensure good oral health is to practice preventive dentistry, which includes routine dental visits and a balanced diet. Our team is happy to provide preventive care for all ages.
Dental Exams
Dental exams are vital to the identification and prevention of issues like cavities and gum disease. They involve a visual examination of teeth and gums, along with X-rays and other imaging techniques to detect hidden problems. Regular exams also help maintain aesthetic results from previous treatments like whitening and veneers, as well as reduce the need for more complex treatments in the future.
During these visits, dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth, as well as floss between them. This prevents tooth decay, bad breath, and other conditions caused by poor oral hygiene. It also helps prevent gingivitis, a common gum disease that is usually treated with a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
Our preventive dentistry services also include sealants and fluoride treatments. Sealants are thin plastic coatings painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth to protect them from food debris and bacteria responsible for cavities. These are especially useful for patients who have a history of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). Fluoride treatment can strengthen tooth enamel, reducing the risk of sensitivity and decay.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are important daily habits that can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, these routine practices are not enough to prevent dental problems such as cavities, worn enamel, and gum disease. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. They allow your dentist to examine your teeth, look for signs of oral cancer, and take any necessary X-rays.
Oral cancer is a major global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality, especially in poorer populations. Many oral cancers occur in asymptomatic individuals, and thus screening may have the potential to reduce incidence. Early detection is critical because patients diagnosed with early stage disease have much better survival than those who are diagnosed at later stages.
A number of studies have reported that visual examination is an effective method of screening for oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders. The curricula of dentistry and dental hygienist training mandate that dentists and hygienists be trained to perform such screening. In addition, several studies have shown that using adjunctive aids to enhance visual screening or incorporating salivary/blood-based testing with proven biomarkers improves discriminatory ability and should be considered in future oral cancer screening research programs.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps teeth resist decay and make them stronger. It is found in varying concentrations in many foods and water. It is also available in dental products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and gels. It is particularly important for children because it strengthens developing teeth and prevents tooth decay. However, if too much fluoride is consumed by a child before adult teeth develop it can cause white streaks or other discoloration on the teeth (fluorosis).
For adults who have more serious oral health concerns, such as gum disease, dry mouth from certain medications, or enamel wear, professional fluoride treatments may be recommended. These in-office treatments contain a higher concentration of fluoride and are typically delivered as a foam, gel or varnish.
While it may be difficult to avoid costly treatments for cavities, tooth erosion, or gum disease, preventive dentistry can minimize the need for these services. By providing regular dental cleanings, exams, and personalized guidance on at-home hygiene practices, preventive dentists help patients avoid more expensive problems down the road.
Restorative Services
Preventive dentistry santa rosa ca is about catching issues when they are small and easy to treat. Regular cleanings, exams, and guidance on lifestyle habits help you dodge cavities, wear enamel, gum disease, and other structural issues that can lead to more expensive treatments in the future.
During a preventive exam, our dentists review your medical and dental histories, visual inspect your mouth and oral soft tissues, take diagnostic X-rays of the head and neck, conduct an oral cancer screening, and provide professional teeth cleaning. With this information, our dentists can detect issues in their earliest stages when they are more easily treated and manageable. We can also offer guidance on improving your at-home hygiene routine, and recommend specific dental care products to support your oral health.