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Preventive Dentistry

— Seattle, WA —

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Preventive dentistry is the name for the practice of taking good care of your teeth, keeping them sparkling. This involves treatment, education, and maintenance of your gums and teeth. From brushing every day to seeing your dentist on a regular basis, preventive dental care helps you avoid cavities, gum disease, wearing down of the enamel, and more.

Who Should Receive Preventive Dentistry?

From children at an early age to adults, everyone should receive regular dental care. You'll especially want to see your dentist on a regular basis if you smoke or are prone to having cavities.

Preventive dentistry can help identify problems before they grow and become more serious to deal with. Catch cavities when they are small and easily dealt with. Discover gum disease as soon as you possibly can so that your dentist can act on it, keeping your gums healthy. Gum diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis occur when plaque and tartar are permitted to build up at the gum line and on the teeth.

 

When Should You Have Preventive Dental Care Done?

The American Dental Association, or ADA, advises that you visit the dentist regularly, at intervals deemed appropriate by your dentist. Ideally, you should visit your dentist twice a year, about every six months, for routine cleanings and care.

 

Why Get Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry helps lower health risks. Good dental hygiene does more than keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. When you take great care of your mouth, cutting down your risk of gingivitis, cavities, periodontitis, and other problems, you can also reduce the risk of secondary issues. These can be caused by poor maintenance of your oral health. These include:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • Respiratory disease

Poor oral health when pregnant has also been linked to problems with the infant, such as premature birth and the baby born with low birth weight. Either continue with or adopt good practices in preventive dental activities when pregnant. This includes continuing regular visits to your dentist.

How Is Preventative Dentistry Performed?

General and family dentists are trained to provide all sorts of preventive dental care. These dentists can perform teeth exams, cleanings, and X-rays as well as add fillings and do other basic tooth and gum care. If you're looking for preventive dentistry, find a dentist who is interested in guiding you with the proper basic care for your teeth.