Preventive dentistry involves diagnosing and treating dental diseases before they become problems. Preventive dentistry aims to detect and prevent dental issues early on in life when they are the least expensive to treat. Eric R Koch, DDS, uses diagnostic imaging, fluoroscopy, and other methods to identify potential issues before they occur.
Preventive dentists also offer preventative services such as cleanings, scaling and root planing procedures, sealants, minor oral surgery, and more. These procedures not only save you money but can also help prevent future problems. Preventive dentistry can help with:
Dental decay
Dental decay is when the enamel on your teeth begins to break down. Dental decay can cause pain, discomfort, and damage to other areas of your mouth. As a result, bacteria can enter your mouth, resulting in an infection of some kind. Preventive dentistry can help prevent this condition by providing preventative care that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Preventive dentistry can help prevent tooth decay by identifying and removing plaque from your teeth daily with a high-quality mouthwash or brush.
Cavities
Cavity prevention is a significant focus for preventive dentists. They recommend regular checkups at least twice yearly to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. In addition, they may perform dental cleanings every six months to remove plaque build-up on the teeth. This plaque can cause bacteria to build up in the deep crevices of your teeth where it cannot be seen by sight alone – this is where cavities begin.
Tooth sensitivity (tartar)
Tooth sensitivity, or tartar build-up on your teeth, can be a very frustrating problem. It can cause you to experience pain when you eat certain foods or drink liquids. The condition occurs when plaque and food particles stick to the surface of your teeth. The plaque sticks to the surface of your teeth and forms a layer of tartar.
Tartar comprises various components, including bacteria, saliva, and sugar. These components combine to create this hardened plaque that sticks to your gums and eventually hardens into tartar.
Preventive dentists may recommend scaling and root planing procedures to remove tartar deposits from your teeth. The process involves removing a thin layer of plaque from around your teeth with a unique tool that scrapes away at the enamel surface of your teeth. The results will be smoother surfaces that do not trap food particles like plaque.
Gum disease (gingivitis)
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums. It can be caused by plaque build-up, which is a fancy way of saying that bacteria in your mouth (specifically those that live on your teeth) break down bits of food into sticky, brown gunk.
Plaque can also irritate your gums and cause them to bleed easily. The pain is called gingivitis, the first step towards more serious problems like periodontal disease.
To prevent gum disease, visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams — including oral cancer screenings — so they can catch any signs of early gum disease before it progresses too far or causes more severe damage.
Preventive dentistry involves taking preventative steps to reduce the risk of future dental diseases. It is an essential part of oral health care, including cleaning and treating teeth, preventing cavities, and treating gum disease and other oral issues. You must see a dentist regularly to avoid future dental problems in your family. Visit Advanced Dental Care of East Texas for a consultation with a dentist or call to speak with a dentist about preventive dentistry and available services.