| Did
you know that is the second most common disease, following the common
cold? The sad fact is that most of us will experience at least one
dental cavity during our lives, and a significant amount of the
population will develop gum disease. So why are we, as a nation, so at
risk for dental problems? There are a number of factors, but the way we
treat our teeth has a lot to do with the outcome.Preventive dentistry
is the ongoing care used to prevent the occurrence of tooth decay and
other dental diseases. Public health advocates are also battling the
tooth decay epidemic through preventive dentistry methods. |
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We have so many resources to keep our dental health in check -- here's how you can best utilize them.
At Home
The main responsibility of preventive care falls on you! In order to
reduce your chances of getting a dental disease, you have to take care
of yourself. Consider the following points when it comes to your
preventive dentistry program:
Oral Hygiene – Brushing
and flossing removes dental plaque, a film-like substance that is
constantly forming on your teeth. If not removed, dental plaque can
build up over time and produce dental tartar, a hardened, sticky
substance which harbors the acid-producing bacteria that generate tooth
decay. Eventually, dental tartar will creep under the gum line, leading
to gum disease as well.
Diet --
A good diet is incredibly important to your dental health. Not only do
foods that contain sugars and carbohydrates feed the bacteria that
produce dental plaque, but studies also show a diet low in calcium can
increase your chances of ending up with periodontal disease and jaw
deterioration.
Smoking and Drinking --Smoking,
chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol can wreak havoc on your mouth! If
the dry mouth, tooth discoloration and buildup of dental plaque aren't
enough for you to want to quit smoking, consider this: Smoking causes
gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. |
General
dentistry is preventive dentistry, and dental exams are a necessary
part of any preventive dentistry program. Because most dental problems
are painless, if you're not visiting the dentist on a regular basis,
you may not be aware of your condition until it causes significant
damage. And if you're concerned about the cost, consider this:
Preventive dentistry is less expensive than restorative treatment,
which you're bound to need if you don't take care of your teeth.
Checkup and Dental Cleaning –
A prophylaxis, also known as adental cleaning, appointment is
recommended every six months to check for signs of tooth decay and
remove dental plaque that you've missed. The dentist and dental
hygienist have special tools to reduce the dental tarter and stains
that you're unable to remove on your own.
X-rays –
X- rays and laser technology allow dentists to look for dental
conditions not visible to the naked eye, such as dental cavities
between teeth and dental problems below the gum line.
Oral Cancer Screening -- Dentists will check for signs of malignancy during a dental exam. If needed, they'll conduct an oral cancer exam.
Patient Education --
Patients who understand the outcome of poor dental health are more
likely to see the dentist for preventive dentistry treatments.
Patient friendly TOOTHACHE relief-- Keep
your teeth instead of pulling them. Dr. Harbin pre-treats abscesses
with 3 different medicines to fight infections and inflammation. Also
expect comfortable, calm abscess treatment with an emphasis on numbing
anesthesia, post op painkillers, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for
comfort. |
