The best way to maintain a beautiful smile is by preventing and correcting any problems that threaten your oral health. The goal of preventive dentistry is to do just that. For a smile that will last a lifetime, teeth need to be cared for on a regular basis.
Serving patients in Lafayette, LA and Delcambre, LA, Dr. Young and our team at 23 Smiles can assist you with all of your preventive dentistry needs to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
What does preventive dentistry do?
Dental professionals recommend that patients schedule two dental appointments per year for optimal oral health. These routine visits usually involve an exam and a cleaning. Together, they function as the foundation of preventive dentistry.
In essence, preventive dentistry steps in before damage to the teeth, gums, or jaws develops or worsens. Visiting the dentist for an exam or a cleaning twice a year will help stop oral health problems before they start.
Preventing Cavities
The buildup of plaque can lead to the development of cavities. At-home dental care, like brushing and flossing, are two great ways to keep teeth clean, and we teach our patients the best oral hygiene techniques to ensure their efforts are rewarded!
However, some bacteria can only be removed and some problems can only be spotted with the help of a dentist or a hygienist. Professional dental cleanings get rid of hard-to-reach plaque and tartar between the teeth and on the teeth’s surfaces. By eliminating the excess bacteria buildup, some cavities are less likely to arise.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when tartar builds up along the gum line. The bacteria eats away at the gum tissue, causing the gums to bleed, become inflamed, and eventually recede.
Proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning appointments protect the gums against this destructive disease. Six month dental appointments are also essential to catching gum disease in the earliest stage, gingivitis– the only time this disease is reversible. During a professional cleaning, our team can remove the tartar along the gum line to stop the disease from progressing.
Preventing Tooth Loss
If you have healthy teeth and gums, you are much less likely to experience tooth loss at any age. Even people who experience trauma to their mouth are less likely to lose a tooth if they’ve taken good care of their teeth. That’s because good oral hygiene and preventive dentistry ensure teeth and gums remain strong. So, if a ball hits you in the mouth or if you’re in a car accident, your teeth are more likely to withstand the impact.
Of course, there are instances when tooth loss is inevitable, and we offer realistic, long-lasting restorations for those patients.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Preventive dentistry is an essential component of good oral hygiene. Visit Dr. Young and our team at 23 Smiles in Lafayette near Delcambre, for checkups, cleanings, and other preventive dentistry treatments.
Call (337) 237-6453 to schedule your appointment today with our friendly dental team.
