5 Essential Things You Need to Know About Preventive Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you put more effort into preventing dental infections, you will likely use way less money than someone who has to undergo restorative procedures. In this blog, we will discuss preventive dentistry in Phoenix in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is simply taking proper care of your teeth with the help of a dentist. The dentist guides you on how to properly take care of your teeth, gums, and jaw, and you do the rest. It is quite easy and cheap. Please note that this preventive care starts as early as when a child is a year old and goes on for the rest of one’s lifetime.

Preventive Dental Services

In a preventive care plan, the dentist will probably cover:

• Regular dental exams and cleanings. Most plans cover two cleanings and exams a year.
• Routine x-ray

Recently, some dental clinics have started performing oral cancer screenings, and they have included screening on their preventive care plans. Kindly note these plans differ from one clinic to another. Your plan may be slightly different from your friend’s.

Your Role in Preventive Dentistry

It is your responsibility to follow what your dentist tells you to the letter. The instructions are not hard to follow, and they can help prevent gum disease, gingivitis, and caries. Here are the oral habits you need to adapt:

• Brush your teeth after meals, and if you can’t, do it at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth every night
• Consider using a mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
• Quit using tobacco products, including smoking
• Avoid foods that can harm your enamel, including acidic foods such as soda and staining foods like coffee. When you take some, brush your teeth after about thirty minutes.
• Wear a mouthguard if you are active in sports or grind your teeth at night.
• Avoid crushing ice and candies with your teeth.
• Don’t use your teeth for purposes not meant for them, for example, opening soda bottle tops.

Who to See for Preventive Dental Care

A pediatric dentist may be recommended for young children, but most general dentists can handle kids well. You can also get help from an oral hygienist. You can talk to us if you require preventive dental treatment in Phoenix, AZ.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive care comes with many benefits that include:

Dental Decay and Gum Disease Prevention

Just not so long ago, it was almost impossible for a child to grow cavity-free. Now, it is possible, and your child can grow cavity-free if you start practicing preventive care as early as possible.

Your dentist will guide your child well, and when the time comes, place dental sealants. Dental sealants play a significant role in ensuring a child grows cavity-free. Additionally, regular exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease.

Comprehensive Exam

The dentist conducts an exam every six months, and during that time, he identifies developing infections as early as possible. When dental conditions are identified early, they take less money to treat, and they don’t put your natural teeth at risk. The dentist may also uncover other severe illnesses such as heart disease during these exams.

Bad Breath Help

Bad breath may seem like a small problem on paper, but those suffering from it understand just how stressing it can be. Preventive care can help you get rid of bad breath and talk in public without fearing people will cover their noses.

Fluoride Treatment

The fluoride treatment ensures your child has stronger teeth and also reduces the risk of caries. Fluoride treatment is recommended every 12 months for children. Your dentist will advise you accordingly.

Saves Money

The amount of money one uses for preventive care may seem a lot to some individuals, but if you look at the bigger picture, it saves you a lot of money in the long run. The cost of preventive care is low and often covered by dental insurance plans.

When you undergo these checkups, the risk of losing your teeth or developing infections that require advanced treatment decreases drastically. That means you won’t need to use a lot of money for restorations or advanced treatments.

Dental by Design

If you require dentistry in Phoenix, AZ, you are in the right place. Our clinic is family-friendly, and we will help you and your children maintain proper hygiene. You can also count on us for cosmetic procedures. Book an appointment now.