Dental Care of Mesa
Preventive Dentistry
There are many things we can do to help each patient’s teeth remain healthy and strong. Whether we are dealing with baby teeth or permanent teeth, at Dental Care of Mesa, we offer a number of preventive dentistry services to help you stay ahead of problems and reduce the chances of serious issues emerging.
Overview
While there is no replacement for the most important habits of brushing and flossing twice daily, it is critical that you come in regularly so we can check on your gums and teeth. We may recommend preventive treatments depending on what we are seeing. We invite you to take a look at the items below and contact us with questions that you may have.
What classifies as preventive dentistry?
Modern dentistry has come a long way. Preventive dentistry techniques give you options for better protecting your mouth and smile. This is why insurances typically cover 100% of many preventive treatments and practices. Below are some examples of preventive dentistry:
- Regular 6-month checkups and oral evaluations
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Routine x-rays at least once a year
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants that cover the top surfaces of molars to prevent decay inside grooves, where bacteria and buildup can hide
- Space maintainers for children: when a baby tooth comes out prematurely and the permanent tooth is not ready
- preventive resin restorations or decay arresting medication
Some of these preventive dentistry practices should be done by everyone, such as regular appointments. Others really depend on the patient, their dental history, and potential genetic predispositions to cavities, particularly in children. At each appointment, we will give you our professional opinion on how to expertly care for your teeth at home.
- Brush for a full two minutes, twice daily and after meals if possible. It can be easy, in a rush, to cut your brushing short, but your teeth and gums will be thanking you for keeping this habit; an electric toothbrush with a timer is a great tool to ensure complete brushing
- Be thorough with your daily floss. Simply having the habit of flossing is important, but it is also important to make sure you apply the right technique and aren’t skipping steps or getting deep enough
- Use mouthwash after brushing. This gives your mouth a fresh start by clearing out the bacteria and germs.
- Lessen your intake of acidic foods and be smart and cautious in how you chew hard foods. This helps your teeth stay healthier and reduces the chances of teeth breaking or chipping
- Protect your teeth with mouth guards when participating in contact sports. A blow to the head or fall can cause serious damage to unprotected teeth
- Consult with your dentist about teeth grinding and gum recession. Some people are more genetically prone to gum recession, but better brushing technique and habits can help reduce the effects and protect your gums and roots
What you can do at home
No matter what dental services you opt for to protect your teeth, there are a lot of things that can be done at home. The things you can do to protect your teeth include simple habits and decisions that have significant impact over time. Below are some suggestions to help you maintain a healthier mouth.
It’s never a bad time to start trying to develop better dental habits and exploring preventive dentistry options. Many people go through ebbs and flows in practicing strong dental hygiene. Life can get chaotic, especially with children at home. Here at Dental Care of Mesa, let us help you develop and maintain the right habits that have the potential to save a lot of trouble and money down the road.