Preventative Dentistry
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop.
In between regular dental visits at Regency Dental in Omaha, there are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These include:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if advised to do so
- Make sure children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and dental exams
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
The following are indications of good oral hygiene:
- Your teeth are clean and free of debris
- Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad breath is not a constant problem
DENTAL CLEANING
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.
Scaling:
This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces in a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
Root planing:
This is the process of cleaning pockets in the gums to treat and prevent gum problems. Root planing is used to treat moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed, gum pockets become deeper and may lose connections to the bone inside. The deeper the pockets, the easier it is for plaque deposits to become trapped and worsen gum problems.
Root planing involves inserting a pointed dental tool called scalers into the gym pockets to clean plaque buildup. Depending on the degree of difficulty, root planing may take several appointments and a local anesthesia may be used to prevent pain.
Polishing:
This is the last step in tooth cleaning and involves finishing the surface of the teeth to make them shiny and clean. There are two kinds of polishing:
- air polishing
- rubber tip polishing
Air polishing works by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth. This powered water washes away residue and plaque while baking soda removes stains. Rubber cup polishing uses a low-speed and gentle handpiece that contains a polishing paste made of abrasive ingredients ideal for removing stains.
SEALANTS
Dental sealants are used to fill narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. To avoid cavities developing over time, the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Benefits of Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is an essential aspect of maintaining your overall health. It involves regular dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, and practicing a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the cornerstone of preventative dental services. It helps to prevent cavities and enamel wear caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles that can lead to tooth decay.
By taking preventative measures, you can avoid the need for more invasive and costly dental procedures down the road. Preventative dentistry not only helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums, but it also contributes to your overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to a range of health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. So, make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings, practice good oral hygiene habits at home, and take advantage of preventative dental services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
