Wondering why preventive dentistry is crucial for the long-term care of your teeth and gums?
You’ve probably been told since you were a child that it’s important to care for your teeth; however, over the years, you may have let some of those good oral habits fall by the wayside. You may forget to floss at night, or you may only brush your teeth once a day. These lax habits can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other problems, which our Allentown, PA, dentist Dr. Robert Sanford here at Total Health Dentistry wants to protect against through the use of preventive dentistry.
What does preventive dentistry entail?
There are several ways for both you and our Allentown, PA, family dentist to provide your smile with the preventive care it needs to protect against cavities, gum disease, injury, and more. Preventive dentistry entails,
Prophylaxis: These dental cleanings performed by our dental hygienists are the best ways to remove plaque and tartar buildup to reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. These cleanings must be performed every six months, and everyone can benefit from these routine checkups and professional dental cleanings.
Dental sealants: All children, regardless of their risk, can benefit from dental sealants. These tooth-colored coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped. Sealants are a great way to protect your child’s molars from cavities, as these teeth are most susceptible. With the proper care, sealants can last years before needing to be replaced.
At-home care: While you and your family should be visiting the dentist twice a year, it’s also just as important that you are practicing good oral hygiene. How you care for your smile will dictate your health. You must brush twice a day and floss daily with fluoride toothpaste.
What are the benefits of preventive dental care?
From the care you provide your smile each day to dental checkups with our team, there are many benefits associated with preventive dentistry including,
- Reducing the risk for common dental problems
- Identifying dental issues early on
- Protecting against dental injuries
- Addressing jaw dysfunction and other jaw problems to reduce pain and swelling
- Improving your general health, too
It’s never too late to provide your smile with the proper care it needs. If you are ready to start visiting our Allentown, PA, family dentist again for routine cleanings and checkups, simply call Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry today at (610) 820-6000 and let’s get your oral health back on track.