When you brush using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, you are engaging in the basic preventive measures. However, because of our lifestyle, our teeth and gums can get damaged. That is why most dental clinics including the Vesna Arezina DDS clinic offer preventive dentistry in Houston services to help maintain your oral health.
Preventive dentistry is the practice of maintaining good oral health and teeth function. It involves a combination of dental treatments and offers great benefits such as:
- Prevents Decay
Dental decay is a common problem even though most people maintain standard dental hygiene practices. Why is that? Brushing and flossing daily often eliminates some of the plaques that form. However, a toothbrush can at times fail to remove all the food particles, especially from the back teeth, which provides the perfect environment for the bacteria to grow.
Additionally, the consumption of sugary foods leads to the production of acidic solution that attacks the enamel and causes it to become weak and prone to cavities.
Getting your professional teeth cleaning every six months can help remove any plaque buildup and keep the teeth clean.
Furthermore, we offer dental sealants in Houston that act as a barrier and protect the teeth from decay. Dental sealants are mostly used for children, but adults can use them too if they have healthy teeth and gums and no fillings.
Early detection of dental decay will help prevent teeth extraction, which is another dental problem.
- Strengthens the Enamel
The enamel is strong, however, certain factors such as demineralization can cause it to weaken and crack. Demineralization occurs every day where the teeth are stripped off the calcium and phosphate that gives them strength. Using fluoride toothpaste can help reverse the process.
Fluoride helps in the reabsorption of these minerals, thereby strengthening the enamel. furthermore, the mineral helps to reverse mild dental decay. If you are prone to dental cavities or have dry mouth, it is recommended to get the fluoride treatment.
Fluoride treatment is an in-office dental procedure that involves the application of gels or varnish in the teeth surface.
- Lowers Risk of Developing Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious dental problem. Not only does it affect oral health, but left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the rest of the body.
Periodontal disease starts as inflammation and is usually asymptomatic in the initial stages. This means the gum infection can go unnoticed and later develop to periodontitis.
Tartar causes periodontal diseases which leads to the formation of gum pockets. These pockets can further affect the bone causing it to deteriorate and the teeth to weaken. Furthermore, it can spread to the surrounding tissues and the rest of the body causing widespread inflammation.
With professional deep cleaning, the dentist removes the tartar and restores the integrity of the teeth. If there is mild gum disease, the appropriate treatment is initiated thereby preventing it from advancing.
- Helps to Identify Other Health Problems
There is a tight relationship between oral and overall health. Some dental conditions can cause other health problems. For example, gum disease is reported to increase your risk of heart health. Furthermore, your gum condition can also reveal conditions like high blood glucose way before you have any symptoms.
- Saves You Money
Preventive dentistry helps to stop dental problems before they occur thereby saving you from costly dental procedures. For example, preventing decay will keep your teeth from extraction. Tooth loss leaves unsightly spaces in between your gums which creates the need for the costly restorative dental procedures.
Final Thoughts!
Having regular dental checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and using dental sealants are the best way of preventing any dental condition. However, using preventive mouthguards can go a long way in protecting your teeth and gums from injuries and lacerations. Mouthguards also help to control bruxism which weakens your teeth and jaw.
Visit Vesna Arezina DDS for dental assessment, exams and cleanings. Our dental team will also share information on how to maintain healthy teeth at home for you and your family.