What is Preventative Dentistry, and why is it Important?

Preventative dental care simply means scheduling regular checkups and professional cleanings with your dentist, and making sure you spend adequate time brushing and flossing each day. It is the easiest and cheapest way to help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, and it helps decrease the likelihood of needing any costly restorative dental work, or emergency dental care.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are the best way for your dentist to detect any small signs of disease, usually before they have caused any unpleasant symptoms. Small cavities are easily and cheaply filled, and the early signs of gums disease can soon be treated before there is any lasting damage to your gums. This type of regular maintenance can also provide peace of mind, as you are less likely suffer from toothache.

Your dentist will want to take dental x-rays at regular intervals, usually every two years, but this can vary according to your dental health. These x-rays show hidden areas of your mouth, such as the contact points between teeth that can often develop cavities.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are carried out by a hygienist, and remove all the hardened plaque from your teeth. Hardened plaque is called tartar or calculus and contains bacteria that produce toxins.  If tartar is not regularly removed then it will infect the gums, and will cause inflammation and gum disease. Regular cleanings help prevent this from happening, and keep your breath fresh. Your hygienist is also the best person to give advice on how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques, and can point out any areas of your mouth you might be missing during cleaning.

Once your teeth and gums are in reasonable condition, then regular preventative dental care can help keep them that way. This prolongs the life of your teeth, and will ensure your smile always looks its best.

If you live in the Fresno, contact us today