Types of Preventive Dental Care

While regular brushing and flossing are a key part of good oral hygiene, they are not enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You also need to visit your Forest Lake dentist regularly (about every six months) for preventive care. In fact, a lot of oral health issues could be prevented if more people would see their dentists at least once a year. 

As the name suggests, preventive dentistry refers to different treatments meant to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease. By identifying the problem early on and taking the right measures, you can ensure that your teeth will remain healthy. Not to mention, you will avoid a series of costly and invasive treatments, such as root canals and extractions. 

With that in mind, here are the types of preventive care we offer at Forest Lake Dental:

1. Professional Cleanings and Oral Exams 

As we said, regular brushing and flossing can help you remove plaque and minimize the risks of developing cavities. But, your at-home oral hygiene cannot compare with a professional cleaning. A dentist has the right tools to reach even the smallest and narrower nooks and crannies in your mouth and effectively remove any plaque or debris. Moreover, your toothbrush is not strong enough to remove tartar. You will need a professional tool that uses ultrasound to remove these stubborn calcified deposits. 

In addition to cleanings, the dentist can also perform different tests, such as X-Rays to make sure there aren't any underlying issues. Sometimes it can be hard to detect if you have a cavity or how deep or big it is and more thorough investigations can help with the diagnosis. 

2. Fluoride Treatments 

You probably know already that fluoride plays an important role in protecting your teeth against cavities. And, while you may be brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, this may not be enough for your oral health. 

If you are at risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment. In most cases, the treatment comes in the form of a varnish that the dentist applies to your teeth. The varnish's role is to strengthen the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. 

3. Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is like a coating that the dentist applies on the biting surface of your teeth to protect them against cavities. Once applied, the sealant will reduce the chances of developing cavities by about 80% in the next two years. 

While dental sealants are commonly used in pediatric dentistry, adults can benefit from them too. 

4. Oral Cancer Screenings

As the name suggests, the goal of oral cancer screenings is to detect any lesions that might lead to cancer and address them early on. With about 54,000 new cases of oral cancer detected this year alone, you can't afford to miss these screenings. 

Start Taking Better Care of Your Oral Health Today!

Don't wait until it's too late. Book your appointment with one of the dentists at Forest Lake Smiles and start taking better care of your teeth and gums. 

Follow this link to request an appointment with us.