Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth and gums to keep them healthy and prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here is what you need to learn about preventive dentistry. 

• What is preventive dental care?

Preventive dental care involves caring for your smile and trying to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. This form of dental care is called “preventive” because the goal is to prevent damage, disease, and other oral health issues. This includes everything from regular cleaning visits to daily brushing and flossing.

• What is included in preventive care?

During every routine dental checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and teeth to look for signs of decay or disease as well as any signs of oral cancer. Dental x-rays may be performed to check for cavities and other issues not visible to the naked eye. If necessary, your dentist will make any recommendations for treatment based on the results of your examination. The dentist will also clean and polish your teeth, removing any buildup of plaque or tartar that can cause tooth decay or damage your enamel. As the last step,  fluoride will be applied to teeth if needed to help reduce enamel erosion and the risk of decay. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist for the best preventive dental care available.

• How often do I need to come in for preventive care?

Most patients need preventive cleanings and checkups every six months, though some people will need to visit more often depending on their oral health needs. For instance, if you suffer from gum disease or you are prone to tooth decay, you may need to come into the office every three to four months for treatment. Your dentist will assess your unique situation at your preventative visits to determine when to come back in for a cleaning and checkup. 

• Why is preventive dental care important?

Visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent a wide range of conditions from developing in the first place. Additionally, it can help you catch any early signs of decay or disease in their early stages when they are much easier to treat. Regular visits to the dentist also help keep your teeth looking bright and healthy! Our team is here to help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease and to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

Some common but preventable conditions that you may experience as a result of neglecting your oral health include the following:

• Gum disease and tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Jaw pain

• Are X-rays necessary?

Yes, all patients should undergo regular X-ray screenings. Even patients who do not exhibit symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease should have x-rays taken every 12 to 18 months. This is the best way to prevent serious oral health problems from developing in the future. For example, if your dentist notices an abnormality in one of the tests, he or she can advise you on what preventive measures you can take to avoid more serious problems down the line. In some cases, the abnormality is too small to be detected by a visual examination alone.

Your dentist may also recommend more frequent screening if you suffer from a chronic health condition such as diabetes. Because these conditions can increase your risk of developing oral infections and disease, it’s imperative that you take any necessary precautions to keep your mouth healthy and clean.

• Is fluoride necessary?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in some water sources. It’s also present in certain foods and toothpaste, so most people receive some exposure to it on a regular basis. The mineral helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, which is the outermost layer of teeth. This layer can be prone to damage over time by acid erosion or decay due to bacteria, which is why it’s so important to properly brush and floss each day. It’s because of this reason that your dentist may recommend treatments with fluoride.

Fluoridated water is actually still used in some areas of the country because of its effectiveness in fighting tooth decay. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to fluoridated water from a young age are less likely to develop cavities than their peers who are more regularly exposed years later. Additionally, professional fluoride treatments like fluoride varnishes provide a concentrated dose of the mineral to the teeth, which also helps to prevent decay from forming in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone. Professional at-home care products are also available at our practice which contains additional amounts of fluoride to help combat cavities.

Schedule a consultation with our team by calling the Las Vegas Dental office at (702) 248-4448 or Henderson dental office at (702) 485-4777 to learn more about our dental services. We would be happy to help.