PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Preventive dentistry is the practise of looking after your gums and teeth and maintaining proper oral hygiene to keep them healthy. Cavities, gum infections, enamel erosion, tooth loss, and other issues are all avoided. We have become more prone to oral ailments as a result of years of refined food, thus preserving them has become incredibly vital.

Oral disease prevention has gotten easier because to developments in dentistry. Oral hygiene should be done starting at a young age. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the most basic kind of preventative dentistry. Another strategy to prevent dental illnesses is to visit a dentist every six months for a checkup.

The preventative dentistry programme benefits children the most since it allows their freshly created adult teeth to come in strong and healthy. Preventive dentistry strives to stop oral problems from starting and progressing, as well as reduce their repercussions and provide rehabilitation.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL DECAY

Pit and fissure sealants

Sealants are a painless and effective method of preventing tooth decay. Back teeth (molars and premolars), which have pits and fissures on the chewing surface and are more prone to decay, have sealants put in the deep fissures and pits.

In this procedure, a protective barrier is placed on the tooth surface to prevent it from decay.

Fluoride application

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth while also preventing decay, and it can be used by both children and adults. Fluoride gel is applied to trays and then applied to the teeth, forming a strong layer that protects the teeth from decay.

Enameloplasty

The deep fissures and fossas are widened in this operation, which avoids food lodgement and deterioration. As a result, food particles are washed away from the surface when chewing, reducing the risk of decay.

PREVENTION OF GUM DISEASES

Oral prophylaxis

A simple procedure of professional cleaning of teeth dislodges the plaque deposits on the teeth and hence maintains the health of the gums. This procedure should be done at an interval of 6 months.

PREVENTION OF CROWDING OF TEETH

Serial extraction

It is the extraction of particular deciduous teeth and permanent teeth with the goal of guiding the erupting permanent teeth into a more desirable position. This eliminates the risk of future crowding. This is commonly done between the ages of 8 and 9.

Space maintainers

Space maintainers are custom-made appliances that are used to keep the space for the permanent teeth from erupting. If the posterior teeth shift forward after early deciduous tooth loss, whether due to caries, trauma, or early shedding of milk/primary teeth, the room for the future permanent tooth can be lost. Area maintainers are used to prevent neighbouring teeth from migrating into this empty space. These are a preventative device that ensures there are no complications with tooth eruption.

ADVANTAGES OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Aids in the preservation of gum and tooth health.
Prevents cavities from forming.
Gum disease prevention
Prevents or lowers the likelihood of future tooth misalignment.

WHO ALL ARE BENEFITTED FROM PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?

Preventive dentistry is beneficial to everyone. Starting in childhood when the teeth are just beginning to emerge, until the point where one may be on the verge of losing all of their teeth or has already lost some. They aid in the prevention of tooth decay in children, as well as the strength and fit of newly formed permanent teeth. This helps to maintain permanent teeth healthy in growing adults, which can eventually lead to a healthier lifestyle. Because your oral health is a window into your entire health, protecting your teeth ensures a healthy lifestyle and adds years to your life.

Best Practices For Healthy Teeth

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first and most important step in maintaining your oral health; make it a habit.
Also, wash your teeth before going to bed to help battle bacteria that can hurt your tissues if they stay overnight.
Floss on a daily basis. This aids in the removal of debris lodged between your teeth, which can cause cavities. Flossing helps to remove these particles, keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
After each meal, give it a good rinse. This is done to make sure there are no food particles stuck between your teeth and gums. This maintains your mouth clean, which contributes to healthy teeth in the long run.
Consume a well-balanced diet. This will aid in the absorption of nutrients by your teeth. Drink plenty of water and stay away from fizzy beverages. Get a diet that includes all of the vitamins and minerals that your teeth require.
Make an appointment with a dentist. Along with following the above-mentioned practise, see a dentist every six months for a standard check-up. Your dentist can tell you if the practises you’re using are sufficient or if you need to be more vigilant about your oral health.

WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY MEASURES?

Preventive dental checkups aid in the early management of developing dental disorders, which is significantly less expensive than addressing similar issues once they have progressed to the point where they require more active care and, as a result, greater costs. The cost is determined by a number of factors, including the treatments chosen and your oral health. By visiting one of our dental clinics in India, you may discover more about them in depth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Often Should I Get Dental Check-Ups?

Patients with good oral health can visit the dentist once a year, whereas those with a history of bad oral health should see a dentist every six months to maintain proper dental hygiene.

How Often Should I Bring My Child In For A Check-Up?

It is suggested that you take your children to the dentist every six months to ensure good dental hygiene and to detect any developing illnesses or diseases.

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes, fluoride is completely safe in the quantity it is present in tap water and toothpaste commonly used. It aids in the strengthening of teeth, the maintenance of good oral hygiene, and the prevention of cavities.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Gum diseases are caused due to poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque formation on the surface of teeth. It can be prevented by regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits. Patients experiencing gum infection can visit a dentist for teeth cleaning that can help in the removal of plaque with ease.

Do Fissure Sealants Hurt?

No, fissure sealants are completely painless. Without anaesthetic, the operation is quite simple and straightforward.