Michael A. Larsen, DDS, FAGDSky Sessions, DDS, MAGD|
Rexburg, ID|
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(208) 359-1500|
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Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain good oral health. It also refers to treatment that can prevent additional oral problems.
Preventive dentistry is essential for good oral health because it prevents tooth decay and other serious dental problems. It can help with the early identification of dental problems, which can help you save a lot of pain and money in the long run. Preventive dentistry not only affects oral health, but also the condition of your whole mouth, jaw, neck, etc. Additionally, some systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes, might show up in the mouth first. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, eating disorders, and osteoporosis can have major effects on oral health. Preventive dentistry is extremely important for people with chronic conditions, as it can aid in their whole physical health.
The simplest and most effective prevention measures, when it comes to oral health, a lot of the responsibility relies on the patient. Good oral hygiene, which includes daily flossing and brushing is the best way to prevent cavities, pain, and other dental problems like gum disease. Basics of oral health include:
• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing every day
• Using mouthwash every day
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Limit eating hard food that can harm tooth enamel
• Limit sugar consumption, as they can lead to more cavities
• Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams- stay on top of any red flags!
Regular dental exams and cleanings, coupled with your daily brushing and flossing, play a key role in preventing cavities, pain, gum diseases, and other oral issues.
At Apple Tree Dental, we provide dental services and appliances to help keep your mouth healthy and safe. Whether it be a mouthguard to protect your teeth while playing your favorite sport or space maintainers to help your child’s adult teeth grow in straight while baby teeth are being lost, you’ll find it in our office. We do dental extractions of extensively decayed teeth or wisdom teeth to prevent further damage or complications. We also insert crowns, fillings, and sealants to protect your teeth from further damage and decay.
Regular dental exams are a crucial part of preventive health care. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental exams. Here at Apple Tree Dental, we recommend exams twice a year. Dental exams often consist of teeth cleanings and other diagnostic procedures. If necessary, a dental exam might also include x-rays, which can help assess cavities and the health of the bones in the mouth At Apple Tree Dental, we want what is best for our patients’ dental health and hope they do too. It is recommended that you visit us every six months for a thorough dental exam and cleaning. This twice-a-year appointment is crucial in preventing future dental problems.
While you may think seeing your regular dentist is the only kind of preventative dental care you need, orthodontists also play a large role in preventing different types of dental crises. The dentists at Apple Tree are trained to recognize when a child (or adult) may need or benefit from orthodontic treatment. They work with multiple orthodontic specialists in the area to meet these needs.Seeing an orthodontist when indicated can help to avoid creating a bad bite, correct any trauma that has shifted teeth within the mouth, and hold space for teeth that may be taking a long time to grow in.
Examples of preventative orthodontics are:
Head Gear
This can help with fixing or aligning the jaw and maintaining enough space in the mouth for teeth to grow
Tooth Extractions
When teeth won’t seem to fall out on their own, sometimes the assistance of an orthodontist is necessary to get rid of lingering primary teeth
Space Maintainers
When primary teeth fall out prematurely, it is important to preserve that space so that the future tooth has room to grow properly
Seeking preventative dental care ultimately spares you costs and discomfort in the long run. Keeping up with regular visits to the orthodontist should begin around age 7. As kids begin to lose their primary teeth, their jaw, and underlying teeth begin shifting slowly over time. With the help and constant correction of current or potential issues, your kids can get ahead of their growing teeth to create a healthier, functioning smile and bite. Orthodontist visits may include getting braces at some point, but the ultimate goal of preventative orthodontics is to cultivate a straighter smile before the teeth have begun to push through.
It may not be an obvious note to put on your to-do list, but it is important to remember that orthodontists can do more for your kid than just put braces on them. When your child begins losing their primary teeth, it’s time to consider taking them in for a visit. Here are a few signs that your child would benefit from preventative orthodontic care:
• Your child is sucking their thumb at the age of five or older
• Your child suffers from a speech impediment
• Your child’s teeth are taking too long to fall out
• Your child has lost a tooth prematurely (often due to trauma of the mouth)
• Your child’s secondary teeth are not growing
• Your child’s teeth protrude
• Your child’s jaw shifts when they open or close their mouth
If you notice any of these signs in your kids or are simply curious whether an orthodontic referral would be recommended, contact the expert team at Apple Tree Dental and schedule your appointment today!
