Preventive Dentistry
What is Preventive Dentistry?
What Causes Tooth Staining?
Age
These are also genetic traits that become more pronounced with age. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent – most notably the front teeth – have less of the pigment that is necessary for bleaching.
Starting Color
We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey and intensifies over time.
Translucency And Thinness
These are also genetic traits that become more pronounced with age. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent – most notably the front teeth – have less of the pigment that is necessary for bleaching.
Eating Habits
The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges, citric foods, vinegar, and other deeply-colored beverages and foods causes considerable staining over the years.
Smoking Habits
Nicotine leaves brownish deposits that slowly soak into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.
Tetracycline Chemicals
Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove.
Excess Fluoride Consumption
Excessive consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis and associated areas of white mottling.
Grinding
Most frequently caused by stress, teeth grinding (gnashing, bruxing, etc.) can add to micro-cracking in the teeth and can cause the biting edges to darken.
Trauma
Falls and other injuries can produce sizable cracks in the teeth, which collect large amounts of stains and debris.
Why the problem?
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth 2 times a day before they get any teeth
- Start cleaning your baby’s teeth 2 times a day as soon as they come in
- Teach your child to brush 2 times a day
- Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride
- Give your child healthy, low-sugar foods and drinks
- Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups
Why is Preventive Dentistry Important?
Outcome Of The Procedure
Pros and Cons of the Procedure
Pros of Preventive Dentistry –
As a tool for preventing damage to teeth, it will come as no surprise that there is a range of benefits that make the healthy habits above very appealing to parents.
Reduces the Risk of Cavities
Typically, plaque is cleaned off when your child brushes their teeth either in the morning or at night – which is why it is so important to maintain the habit twice daily.
Reduces Long-Term Expense
Dental maintenance is an investment in your child’s smile over the long term. Without proper dental care, many issues can occur that are much more costly than regular checkups and high-quality toothpaste and dental floss.
Overall Health Improvements
Our oral health is closely related to our general physical health. Our mouths are gateways to our digestive and respiratory tracts.
Defense is the Best Offense
Just like in sports, Children’s Dental Center knows that defense is the best offense. Likewise, the best prevention plan starts early on in your child’s life and anticipates potential risks along the way.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
- You’ll Avoid Debilitating Ailments
- As we just mentioned, preventative dentistry makes debilitating dental issues less likely. Indeed, the small investment of the time it takes to clean and floss your teeth could prevent the discomfort of cavities, abscesses, and other unwelcome oral problems. However, it’s also worth noting that it can save your life!
- You’ll Identify Issues Early
- Preventative dentistry makes dental problems much less likely, but there are never any guarantees. No matter how diligent you try to be, these issues can and will develop over time. Heck, even dentists suffer from the occasional cavity or a minor build-up of decay! The good news is that preventative measures help identify such concerns early on.
- You’ll Learn About Oral Hygiene
- Dentists aren’t just there to clean peoples’ teeth and treat any issues that arise. As experts in oral hygiene, they’re well-placed to educate their clients too. Visit the dentist, then, and they’ll explain how to take better care of your teeth and gums at home.
- You’ll Save Money
- Fillings, crowns, and root canals can cost thousands of dollars that you could have saved through preventative dentistry.
- You’ll Feel More Confident
- People with dental problems often experience trouble with their self-esteem as well. They feel self-conscious about their appearance and anxious about the perception of others. In the worst-cases, they might even find it difficult to leave the house and engage in an active social life.
- You’ll Enjoy Fewer Dental Visits
- It’s by far the best way to stay out of the dentist's chair. Having taken action to keep your teeth in top condition, there’ll be less need to see the dentist for help.
Different Types of Preventive Dentistry
Regular Dental Exams and Professional Cleanings
Fluoride Treatments
Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel. The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards
Duration: It remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight).
Dental Sealants
Before And After
Procedure
Dental sealants
Dental sealants are a translucent resin material that the dentist spreads on your child’s teeth. The sealant fills in deep grooves in your child’s teeth where bacteria would normally build up.
Teeth cleanings
Routine professional teeth cleanings are essential for your child’s dental health. During these visits, the dentist will clean the child’s teeth with special techniques and tools to achieve the cleanest teeth possible.
Fluoride
Fluoride can help strengthen and protect your child’s enamel. This solution will prevent cavities and keep your child’s enamel strong as they get older. Fluoride treatment is effective for both baby and adult teeth.
Aftercare tips after a routine dental visit
After Care To Maintain Results For A Long Duration
- Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking
- Avoid hot foods and drinks for 4 hours after teeth cleaning
- Brush gently before bed
- Be on the lookout for warning signs
What are the risks or complications of routine dental cleanings?
- Dental cleanings are safe and effective. While there aren’t any risks or complications, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as teeth sensitivity or sore gums.
- To manage discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen. Tenderness should go away in a few days.
FAQ's
What are common preventive dentistry services?