Preventive dentistry is one of the most important branches in modern dentistry. It’s the dental care that will keep the oral health of a family in check for years. Having good oral health is extremely important for your overall wellbeing. However, not many patients are familiar with this type of care. If you haven’t found a dental office with preventive dentistry in Apollo Beach, this article might point you in the right direction. We’ll tell you all about the goals, the benefits, and who actually provides this level of care. Here we go!
What does preventive dentistry entail?
The most frequent approaches are the education of the patient for the creation of good dental habits combined with regular checkups. This process will typically start early in life. However, it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth, which is why general dentists also practice prevention. If you have children, your pediatric dentist in Apollo Beach can teach both you and your child the right techniques to maintain a healthy smile throughout their whole lives. Some other procedures that the dentist could include in preventive dentistry are:
● Regular oral exams, usually twice a year
● Routine X-Rays
● Teeth cleaning
You also have a role to play
As we mentioned the role of the pediatric dentist near you is to educate the patients on how to develop good dental habits to prevent tooth decay and other problems. This means you will have to practice these habits to successfully prevent you and your child from developing cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis. For this, it’s highly recommended that you:
● Brush at least 2 times a day. Ask a kid’s dentist near you about their recommendations for a kid-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to use.
● Remember to floss daily to eliminate plaque buildup in places where your toothbrush can’t reach.
● Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash.
● Stay away from acidic food and beverages that could damage your enamel.
● Steer clear from tobacco products in any shape or form.
● Use a mouth guard if you play contact sports
Types of dentists in preventive dentistry
Among the types of dental professionals that offer preventive dentistry near you, we have:
● General dentists: These are the dental providers in charge of taking care of the whole family. That’s why they’re also called family dentists. Make sure you have always a go-to general dentist in your vicinity. They will take care of any basic procedures you and your family might need such as cleanings, X-rays, or simple restorative procedures. They will also detect any risk factors, and other issues in their early stages before you develop a dental problem. Finally, they’re the ones that are going to refer you to a specialist if you require a specific procedure.
● Pediatric dentists: These specialize in dental care for children. Normally you should look for a kid’s dentist near you after your child’s first birthday. This way, the dentist can start prevention dentistry right away. Having a specialized dentist is always a good idea. They’re experts in performing procedures on children after all.
Benefits of preventive dentistry in Apollo Beach
● Identifies dental problems early on, which may help minimize treatment and costs.
● It lowers your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other conditions.
● It helps create good oral hygiene habits.
● It helps manage the impact certain chronic conditions might have on your teeth. A few examples of chronic diseases that affect oral health are osteoporosis, diabetes, cancers, mental illness, and eating disorders. Some of these patients will have to visit even more often than the average person to keep their smile in check.
Schedule your dental checkup today for preventive dentistry near you!