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Since childhood, we have all been taught that precaution is better than cure. The same goes for your health, especially your dental health.

When we talk about preventive care, we tend to always miss out on our dental health. However, as people are becoming more aware of oral issues that could be eliminated, preventive dentistry is on the rise. Statistics say that the number of people participating in preventive dental care has risen from 78% in 2022 to 83% in 2023. Furthermore, adults are now seeking to maximize their advantage of taking dental insurance to avoid getting into bigger financial and well-being constraints related to oral health care in the future.

So, what exactly is preventive dentistry that has gotten everyone on board with?

What is Preventive Dentistry?

As the name suggests, preventive dentistry is all about caring for your teeth to keep them healthy by avoiding dental issues like enamel wear, gum disease, cavities, and more. It is a long-term way to care for your teeth for optimal health.

Preventive dentistry includes the habit of regular dental cleanings and daily brushing to avoid getting any oral health issues. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends everyone to visit their dentist at regular intervals to ensure you have optimal dental health with strong and healthy teeth. It is ideal for every parent to introduce preventive dentistry early in their child’s life.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing dental problems before they become severe. Below are some main benefits of preventive dentistry:

  1. Improved Overall Health

    To be fit and healthy overall, having great dental health is also necessary. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and if you are not orally healthy, there are chances of illnesses stemming from your mouth, where one minor dental infection can travel throughout your body and affect other body parts. Hence, one of the biggest benefits of preventive dental care is improved overall health.

  2. Early Detection of Dental Issues

    Preventive dentistry is a great way to detect any early signs of major or minor dental issues, like cavities or plaque formation, that can be prevented before they become something major. This way you save time and also the money to treat any major dental problem. Furthermore, preventive dentistry avoids minor dental issues like cavities and helps spot early signs of oral cancer, which can prove to be life-saving for many patients.

  3. Cost Effective Dental Health

    In the long run, preventive dental care proves to save you money on a major margin. When you are going for regular dental check-ups, you are giving yourself a chance to spot early signs of any major dental problems, like oral cancer, that can be cured if detected in early stages. This way, you save money on treating oral cancer or any other major dental issues in their later stages.

    Paying for your regular dental cleanings is truly an investment, as you will save money on treatments for major dental issues if you simply prevent them in their early stages.

  4. Less Dental Visits

    Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and following proper oral hygiene promotes healthy habits and reduces dental visits for additional dental treatments. This is because there will be relatively fewer oral problems to tackle as you will be preventing them beforehand.

  5. Positive Dental Experience

    For people with dental anxiety, preventive dentistry can be a huge relief as the dentist focuses on maintaining and preserving that smile instead of doing anything major involving injections or invasive surgeries. This creates a positive image of the dentist and dental care for such patients, improving the image of the dental experience and positively dealing with dental anxiety.

  6. Better Cosmetic Look

    Preventive dentistry focuses on preserving your teeth and gums, which can not only affect the way you feel from the inside but also affect the way you look on the outside. With proper dental care, you can avoid cavities that can majorly affect a person’s confidence in the way they smile.

  7. Preserved Health of Your Natural Teeth

    With preventative dental care, you can preserve the health of your natural teeth by keeping the gums and the teeth healthy for a lifetime. You can stay clear of cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues. Hence, you can continue enjoying your favorite food while preserving your smile.

Types of Preventive Dental Care Services

Once you are well aware of the benefits of the preventive dental care industry, it’s time to talk about the different preventive dental care services that you can start with to enjoy the mentioned benefits. Let’s get started:

  1. 1

    Oral Hygiene Counseling

    Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventive dental care. In oral hygiene counseling services, your dental hygienist will guide you in taking proper measures to preserve your oral health at home and give you tips on how to keep your gums and teeth healthy at all times. Counseling is necessary, and they will also help you by answering your questions related to dental health and giving recommendations for preserving your oral health.

  2. 2

    Dental X-Rays

    Through dental X-rays, your dentist can get a better look at any prevailing dental problems that may get overlooked during a visual consultation. Since X-rays are able to capture what the naked eye can’t, dental X-rays are great for detecting any tooth decay, cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth. They help prevent serious dental issues and develop tailored treatment plans as soon as possible.

  3. 3

    Sealants

    Dental sealants are coatings fixed on the chewing surface of your premolars and molars to create a protective barrier if you are at high risk of forming cavities. The sealants will protect your teeth by preventing bacterial plaque and food particles from trapping between your teeth and causing any damage. These are great for teenagers and kids who are often at high risk of cavities due to neglected dental hygiene.

  4. 4

    Fluoride Treatments

    Fluoride treatments are meant to prevent tooth decay by strengthening your tooth enamel. These treatments include the application of fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride is a mineral found naturally that can help strengthen the teeth as well as reverse the damage caused by tooth decay if caught early. You can find fluoride in some area’s water sources as well as oral hygiene products like mouthwash and some toothpaste. Some dentists may even provide fluoride treatments in the form of fluoride varnishes.

  5. 5

    Enameloplasty

    Also known as tooth reshaping, enameloplasty is a minimally invasive dental procedure that helps improve the health and appearance of your teeth. This procedure works by removing small parts of your tooth enamel to reshape its structure. It is best for correcting minor teeth imperfections like rough areas or chips.

  6. 6

    Space Maintainers

    These orthodontic equipment are created for people who lost their baby teeth prematurely. Space maintainers preserve the space meant for permanent teeth by keeping the space vacant and preventing the neighboring teeth from occupying the space meant for the permanent tooth. The main purpose of space maintainers is to ensure their proper space and alignment for the permanent teeth to sprout, helping in promoting a straighter smile that eliminates the risk of dental issues like crowded teeth.

  7. 7

    Dental Cleanings

    One of the most common preventive dental care services, dental cleanings, are always performed by dental professionals. This process involves the removal of tartar and plaque buildup between your teeth, eliminating the risk of gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath. Most dentists recommend getting dental cleanings every six months to preserve your dental health.

  8. 8

    Serial Extraction

    Serial extraction is a dental treatment often suggested for children whose permanent teeth are beginning to come in. This procedure involves a dentist strategically removing certain baby teeth in a specific sequence. The goal of this planned extraction is to help guide the adult teeth into their correct positions, promoting a well-aligned and healthy dental arch as they grow.

What Type Of Dentists Offer Preventive Dental Care?

There are different types of dental professionals in the industry who have different dental specialties. But who can offer preventative dental care services? Here are the two types of dentists who can offer these services:

  1. General Dentist

    Also known as a family dentist, a general dentist provides preventive dental care services like dental X-rays, cleanings, counseling, fillings, and other basic dental care needs. The primary role of a general dentist is to keep your oral health in an optimal state by providing proper guidance. They will even help you identify any potential dental issues before they become too serious and help you form healthy dental habits.

  2. Pediatric Dentist

    Pediatric dentists are experts in dental care for children. Many children begin dental care as soon as their first tooth emerges. Typically, a pediatric dentist will care for them throughout their teenage years. These specialists offer preventive dentistry services and are equipped to handle more complex procedures when necessary, such as extractions, fillings, and occasionally oral surgery.

What are the Best Practices to Prevent Dental Problems?

While it may look daunting at first, preventive dentistry is a simple process to follow on a regular basis. You simply need to form a few great dental hygiene habits. There are several best practices you need to follow for preventative dental care. Below is a list of some:

  1. Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

    One of the best preventive dental care habits is brushing twice daily for at least two minutes every time. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste will enhance the effect of brushing as that can give you additional protection against plaque-causing bacteria.

  2. Floss Everyday

    While brushing is necessary, it is not enough. Sometimes, food particles may get stuck between your teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and maximizing the chances of cavities. Flossing at least once after brushing is a great way to get rid of the remaining debris, get your teeth squeaky clean, and reduce the chances of cavities and tooth decay.

  3. Clean Your Tongue Daily

    A clean tongue is key to getting fresh breath, removing bacteria from your mouth, and preventing dental diseases.

  4. Follow a Balanced Diet

    Vitamins, minerals, protein, fibers, and other nutrients are essential for your body – not just your overall health but also for your dental health. A balanced diet is a combination of all the necessary nutrients that play a major part in maintaining the health of your teeth. Hence, make it a habit to follow a balanced diet.

  5. Complete Your Daily Water Intake

    Water neutralizes your mouth from harmful acids. It also helps wash away stuck bacteria and food particles between the teeth. Hence, it’s necessary to stay hydrated.

  6. Quit Bad Habits

    Avoiding harmful oral habits is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Actions like biting your nails, chewing ice, smoking, and consuming too much sugar can significantly damage your teeth and health.

  7. Go for Regular Checkups

    Regular dental visits are crucial for preventing oral diseases. Your dentist can identify problems early on and provide the most effective treatments.

Your Search for the Best Preventive Dental Care Ends Here!

Are you searching for a skilled preventative dentist and excellent preventive dental care? Our team of dental professionals is here to provide exceptional preventive dental services tailored to your needs.

At Coral Dental Care, we take pride in delivering award-winning preventive dentistry. We ensure that you and your family have access to affordable and comprehensive dental care. Our routine preventive services include dental exams, oral cancer screenings, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral health education. Trust our dedicated dentists to help you maintain both oral and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the connection between overall well-being and oral health in preventive dentistry?

    Oral health and general well-being are closely intertwined. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria, which may then cause infections that spread throughout the body. Consequently, the bacteria responsible for gum disease have been connected to various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, Alzheimer’s, and more.

  2. Does preventive dentistry have age-specific considerations?

    There are no age-specific considerations as people of all ages – toddlers to teens, adults to elders – should take preventive dental care seriously. However, there are some dental issues, such as gum disease, dry mouth, oral cancer, and cavities, that older adults are more prone to because of their age. Hence, they should take extra care.

  3. What can be an estimated cost of preventive dental care?

    The extent of coverage for preventive dental care varies with different dental plans, with some covering it fully. Services such as oral exams, teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays typically fall under this category. However, most plans have annual limits on these services, and exceeding these limits could result in additional out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the specifics of your coverage.

  4. How does preventive dentistry keep oral health intact at any age?

    Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining clean and healthy teeth through routine check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and education on good oral hygiene practices. These proactive steps effectively prevent cavities and gum disease, regardless of age.

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