Preventative Dental Care
Coronado, CA
We have all heard from a young age that it is important to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. That is only one aspect of caring for the teeth and keeping them healthy. Preventative dental care also includes regular oral exams, professional cleanings, and routine X-rays along with good lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition and hygiene habits.
If it has been a while since you or your family has seen a dentist, it is time for a checkup. Preventative dentistry is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Call us at (619) 354-5136 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Preventative Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults suffers from untreated tooth decay. The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on. Preventative dental care lowers the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. It can also help reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
Oral health is also connected to the health of the entire body. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria as well as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, including preventative dentistry, secondary problems can develop such as respiratory and heart disease.
In addition to reducing a family’s risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive dental care can save money. While it may not completely eliminate treatments such as fillings, it can go a long way in reducing the need for costly services. In fact, a study by Cigna concluded that, "Customers who did not receive preventive care experienced a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period of time." This illustrates that individuals who practice regular preventive oral health care and visit their dentist as recommended achieve higher cost savings each year.
“The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on.”
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately. Typically, dental visits are recommended twice a year. However, the American Dental Association recommends that the dentist determine just how often someone needs to be seen based on the patient’s current oral health status, and medical and history.
Personalized oral care is vital for good dental health. Family members at high risk for dental problems may benefit from more frequent visits while someone at low risk for dental problems may see the same benefits from fewer trips to the dentist. Our dentist will help determine any potential risk factors and how many follow up appointments are appropriate.
“Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately.”
The Ins and Outs of a Dental Cleaning
A routine dental cleaning represents a major component of preventative dentistry. It is also a good time to find out if there are teeth that could use additional attention while brushing or flossing. These appointments typically include a regular checkup with our dentist to examine the teeth, look for signs of oral cancer, and take any necessary X-rays.
A basic dental cleaning includes a physical exam of the entire mouth, which involves using a small mirror to check around the teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation or other concerns. Our staff will then use small scraping tools to remove plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between the teeth. This is followed by a thorough tooth cleaning using a high-powered electric brush and dental flossing. Patients will have their mouth flushed with water as needed throughout the cleaning process.
Deep cleanings use special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar and bacteria below the gum line and down to the roots of the teeth. This type of cleaning helps prevent gum disease from advancing and causing tooth loss. Antibiotics, either in an oral form or as a gel or rinse, may be prescribed to help fight bacteria. As this type of cleaning goes below the gum line, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums.
“A routine dental cleaning is a major component of preventative dentistry.”
Making the Right Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family’s dental health. From poor sleep to smoking and piercings, many personal decisions can harm oral health. Using tobacco inhibits your mouth's natural healing properties and makes you more likely to experience dental disease, while the hardware used in piercings in the lips, cheeks or tongue can cause gum recession and chipped teeth.
A healthy diet can also prevent dental issues down the road. A diet lacking in certain nutrients may make it more difficult for tissues in the mouth to resist infection, which can contribute to gum disease. This is a major contributor to tooth loss in adults.
It is best to limit the intake of excess sugar. Sugar is the bacteria’s food of choice and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many foods and drinks packed with sugar are also acidic, which can break down a tooth’s protective enamel. Drink plenty of water and eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. The vitamins and minerals provided in such foods assist with oral health.
“Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family’s dental health.”
Treatments to Consider
In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family’s preventative dental care. These may include fluoride or dental sealants. These services and treatments provide another protective layer to help combat tooth decay.
Topical fluorides strengthen existing teeth, making them more decay-resistant. Many dentists provide these treatments to children under 18. For people who are predisposed to cavities or decay, a special gel for daily home use may be recommended.
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painting on the chewing surface of teeth. They shield the teeth from food debris and bacteria responsible for cavities. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then the sealant is applied. It is hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light to fuse it to the teeth. The entire process takes less than an hour.
“In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family’s preventative dental care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Dental Terminology
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Enamel Loss
Enamel loss can result from multiple health issues including tooth erosion and occurs when acids slowly wears away the enamel.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening can be a part of a regular dental checkup with a professional checking the gums and face for any signs of oral cancer.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a condition that occurs when inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth causes the gums to shrink and loosen the teeth.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Secondary Health Problems
Secondary health problems require the treatment of a specialist in a specific field instead of a general dentist to receive more than just a regular checkup.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Topical Fluoride Treatment
A topical fluoride treatment is typically a type of gel-like substance that people can apply to their teeth, such as toothpaste.