Preventive dentistry is just what it sounds like. Dentistry that works to prevent oral health issues. At Thomas Plunkett, DMD our focus is to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums safe and healthy, free of disease and decay. One of the best ways to keep your mouth clean is through a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.Dental Exam
A dental exam is a comprehensive assessment of a patient's oral health performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Dental exams are typically recommended every six months as part of routine preventive care, although the frequency may vary based on individual oral health needs and risk factors.
Dental Cleaning
We recommend you brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day. Brushing and flossing keeps your teeth and gums clean, as well as prevents food and debris from building up in between your teeth and along the gumline.
Oral Cancer Screening
Along with a professional cleaning and exam, it is important to have an oral cancer screening at least once per year. This is a very important preventive procedure, and if your dentist isn’t performing this, you should request it. Oral cancer screenings can help detect early cancer and thus greatly help in treatment. Oral cancer screenings are easy and painless. They just involve the dentist examining your head, neck, and oral tissues for any lumps, bumps, discolorations, or other abnormalities. Don’t let this quick and simple, yet important, step be forgotten.
Dentist for Kids
Children’s teeth are important. Some people may think that baby teeth don’t matter since they are going to fall out anyway, but that is not true. Teaching your child from a very early age the importance of good oral care is important. How they treat their baby teeth can greatly affect their incoming adult teeth.
Periodontal Care
Like most oral health problems, gum disease occurs because plaque has formed on your teeth. This can grow downward to the part of the teeth where the gums cover it while hardening into tartar. Tartar can irritate the gums causing them to swell, and because of this, more plaque and bacteria can enter the swelling and prevent the gums from regenerating back to normal.
The only way to effectively avoid gum disease is to prevent its root cause. This is why regular brushing and flossing is so important. We advise our patients to come in every six months for a routine checkup and dental cleaning to ensure proper
However, there are times when frequent dental cleaning and check-ups are not enough to prevent gum disease. In this case, we will provide a deeper cleaning with scaling and root planing to remove any built up plaque or tartar.
Mouthguards and Sports Guards
Mouth guards help protect your teeth from damage. Your teeth are at risk of being knocked out when you play sports. This is why it's so important to wear a mouth guard during physical activity - it can provide up to 30% protection against dental injuries. Custom-fitted mouth guards offer more protection than over-the-counter varieties. At Thomas Plunkett, DMD our dentists can custom fit you for a mouth guard.
FAQs
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist for Preventive Care?
It is recommended to visit the dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific oral health needs.
What Are Common Preventive Dentistry Practices?
Common preventive dentistry practices include brushing and flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending regular dental cleanings and exams. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are also part of preventive care.
Can Preventive Dentistry Help Avoid Major Dental Treatments?
Yes, preventive dentistry aims to identify and address potential issues early, reducing the risk of extensive and costly dental treatments in the future. By maintaining regular care, you can avoid conditions like advanced tooth decay or gum disease.
Thomas Plunkett, DMD is here for all of your preventive dentistry needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at 863-372-1010.