Preventive dentistry is the practice of maintaining oral health and hygiene to keep your teeth healthy. But it goes way beyond that.  Through this article, we bring to you the main highlights of preventive dentistry – What is preventive dentistry, what are the benefits of preventive dentistry, and what kind of dental procedures are involved in preventive dentistry?

1. What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain great oral health. It's a blend of regular dental check-ups along with following good oral habits like brushing and flossing regularly. Good oral habits not only have oral benefits but can impact your general health as well. Taking care of your teeth from an early age extends throughout the course of your life. The main aim of preventive dentistry is to avoid cavities, gum infections, enamel wear, tooth loss, enamel erosion and more. Most of the procedures are aimed at cleaning, preventing cavities, enamel wear, and gum diseases.

2. What are the dental procedures involved in preventive dentistry?

The following dental services typically fall under the preventive dentistry umbrella:

• Dental Cleaning – Dental cleaning is a 30 to 60-minute procedure that involves teeth and gum examination, scaling (removing the plaque and tartar), polishing, flossing and fluoride application.
• Fluoride Treatment – Fluoride strengthens the teeth through remineralization. Fluoride is an economical way of maintaining oral health to avoid costly procedures in the future. Fluoride gel application makes the teeth resistant to cavities and decays. You will only require one dental seating appointment for fluoride treatment.
• Sealants – A dental sealant is a thin sheet of plastic fixed on the grooves of the teeth, usually the molars and premolars. The sealant protects the teeth from food debris and bacteria that are responsible for tooth cavities and also from decay. Dental sealant placement takes between 30 minutes to one hour. 

Besides, these procedures, X-rays, planned extraction, oral prophylaxis, enameloplasty are some of the treatments that are covered under preventive dentistry. 

3. What are the benefits of preventive dentistry?

With good oral hygiene, you can reduce the risk of cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce your risk of other health problems that might occur or are correlated to dental health.  Preventive dentistry reduces your risk of the following conditions: 

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Gum disease (Gingivitis, periodontal disease)
• Receding gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth loss and abnormal tooth wear
• Reduces the risk of  health issues, like diabetes and heart disease
• Helps reduce the risk of oral cancer
• Other oral health conditions

In addition to reducing your risk for oral health and other health issues, practising preventive dentistry can save you money. The costs associated with poor oral hygiene and its consequences are soaring high. Taking good care from the beginning will maintain your oral health. While preventive dentistry does not completely eliminate your need for tooth fillings, root canals, braces or dental implants, it can go a long way in reducing your need for these expensive treatments.

4. What's your role in preventive dentistry?

As stated, preventive dentistry is an important part of your health care and it should start at home, while your regular dental check-ups are on, do not neglect dental care at home. Remember, you play a role in preventive dentistry too. 

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times every day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush in a circular motion, avoiding hard strokes
• Floss regularly to remove food stuck in between the teeth
• Avoid acidic foods as they can harm tooth enamel and cause enamel erosion
• Use a mouthwash when necessary
• Quit smoking and chewing tobacco. These can lead to cancer and major dental problems.
• Use a mouthguard when participating in certain sports
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a mouthguard. This will help prevent gum recession.

Preventive Dentistry is not selective of age, it is for all. Right from childhood when the teeth are just erupting to the stage when one might be losing their teeth.  Preventive dentistry is beneficial for kids as it helps in preventing teeth from getting decayed and also their newly grown permanent teeth remain strong and fit. In growing adults, preventive dentistry keeps the permanent teeth healthy which eventually can affect overall health in a good way.  Dental Solutions clinic is one of the leading dental clinics in Bangalore providing complete dental care treatments.  Looking for a dental clinic in Indiranagar, Bangalore? Head to our clinic for the best dental treatment and walk out with a radiant smile.