The Tribune

By Dr Tamika Ferguson

Preventative dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. It involves oral care education, treatment and the practice of maintaining a healthy mouth.

Through preventative dentistry, oral conditions such as gum disease, cavities and tooth wear can be avoided. Its sole purpose is to prevent future dental problems. Effective preventative dentistry combines an at-home oral care regimen with treatments and oral care advice from your dentist.

There are a number of home care and in-office elements that make up the strategies involved in preventative oral care. Some of these elements include:

Dental hygiene

Dental hygiene is the most important part of preventative dentistry. Many underestimate the power of brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. Brushing and flossing are crucial in protecting against decay and gum disease. A professional dental cleaning is also recommended every six months to remove any staining or buildup on the teeth you cannot remove at home.

Dental radiographs

Dental radiographs enable the dentist to detect cavities and other dental problems that are not visible to the natural eye. The dentist is able to see decay that may be forming between the teeth or below the gum line. Most people do not like taking radiographs but they are necessary. By being consistent with your dental visits and taking yearly radiographs, early detection can mean the difference between needing a small filling and a dental extraction.

Diet

Your diet is also a factor in keeping or maintaining healthy teeth. If an individual’s diet is high in sugar, they are more likely to have cavities compared to someone with a low sugar intake. It is recommended to avoid soft drinks and sugary foods as much as possible. If you must have a soft drink, drink through a straw. Further, make sure to brush properly at all times but especially when you overload on sugary foods/substances.

Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin plastic material that is placed in the grooves and fissures of your posterior (back) permanent teeth. These are areas where plaque can easily hide and your toothbrush may not be as effective. Sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay and should be placed once the tooth has fully erupted. Although sealants are usually placed in childhood, adults are also candidates.

Everyone benefits from preventative dentistry. Your teeth are an essential part of your everyday life; if they are not taken care of you will end up losing them. By ignoring the health of your teeth, you may find yourself paying thousands of dollars for dental replacements and other procedures. Incorporating preventative strategies, helps you avoid spending excessive amounts of money at your dentist. Oral conditions/diseases can lead to problems with speech, eating and have a negative impact on your life. Prevention helps to abort dental disease in its earliest stages, give you a healthy smile and limit future dental costs.

Preventative dentistry stresses the importance of a proper hygiene protocol and daily practices to help avoid tooth decay and other dental conditions. By working with your dentist, you act as a team to ensure your natural teeth remain with you for a lifetime.