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If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy, you wouldn’t want to wait until something goes wrong before you visit your family dentist in Clyde, NC. With preventive dentistry, you and your dental care provider can work together to avoid costly procedures and long-term oral health issues.
Besides regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, preventive dentistry also includes routine dental exams, professional cleanings, and preventive treatment. For most people, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends having a cleaning and checkup every six months. However, since each person has their own specific needs, dental visits should be made at regular intervals determined by their dentist.
Facts About Preventive Dentistry You Should Know
Preventive Dentistry Treatment Comes In Various Forms
· Routine Dental Cleaning
Routine dental cleanings are performed to prevent tooth decay and cavities. They include plaque and tartar removal, and teeth polishing.
· Placement of Dental Sealants
A dental sealant refers to a thin sheet of translucent material that the dentist spreads on the grooves of the back teeth to shield them from bacteria that cause decay and cavities.
· Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are oral devices that are custom-made to suit the shape of the mouth. They’re worn to protect the teeth and gums against physical contact while playing sports.
· Home Care Education
Besides being essential for overall health, home care also plays a critical role in preventing oral health conditions. During dental appointments, the dentist educates patients on the home care measures they should take towards ensuring excellent oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry Helps You Avoid Serious Medical Conditions
Since your mouth serves as the entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts, you have to practice good oral health care to keep it clean and healthy. Without preventive dentistry, bacteria in your mouth can potentially reach certain levels that may trigger oral infections, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. However, studies also show that poor oral health can also contribute to serious medical conditions such as the following:
· Endocarditis
Endocarditis occurs after bacteria from the mouth or another part of the body enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.
· Cardiovascular disease
Dental health experts recognize the link between oral infections and clogged arteries, stroke, and heart disease.
· Pneumonia
Known as one of the worst types of respiratory diseases, pneumonia occurs when disease-causing bacteria from the mouth or any part of the body get pulled into the lungs. This disease is characterized by the inflammation of the lung’s air sacs as they get filled up with fluid or pus. Those who are affected by it experience difficulty breathing, cough, fever, and chills.
· Pregnancy and birth complications
Periodontitis is a serious form of gum infection that causes irreversible damage to the soft tissue of the oral cavity and the bone that supports the teeth. Unfortunately, this disease has also been linked to premature childbirth and low birth weight.
Are You Looking for a Family Dentist in Clyde, NC?
At Cataloochee Dental Group, we’re relentless in our pursuit of patient comfort and satisfaction. We believe that you should be as informed as possible when making decisions about your oral health and treatment options. If you have questions about preventive dentistry or any procedure we offer, book an appointment with us today.