Preventive Dentistry in Columbia, MO
Dr. Wietholder and the staff at All American Dental promote the prevention of dental disease. It is much better for our patients if we can help them prevent problems before they occur. We do this in a number of ways:
- Regular dental cleanings (at least 2 per year) are a very important part of this prevention. Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. This reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth, reducing your risk for cavities and bone loss (periodontitis).
- At your cleaning visit, x-rays are also taken to check for cavities. Catching cavities early can prevent larger problems later.
- Your hygienist can also apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth. Fluoride helps to strengthen enamel making your teeth more resistant to cavities. It is like vitamins for your teeth.
Going to your dentist’s office twice a year for examinations and cleanings are forms of preventive dentistry since these visits help catch problems before they can damage your teeth. However, the other dental services below also help prevent tooth decay and other dental problems too.
Fluoride Treatments
Dentists may notice damage caused by the acids that can cause tooth decay when examining your teeth. One of our dentists at All American Dental can recommend a fluoride treatment that can strengthen the enamel and keep your teeth strong.
Dental Sealants
Many parents in Columbia, MO decide to have their dentists add dental sealants to their children’s teeth to protect them from cavities. However, sealants are also great for adults who may be prone to cavities due to poor oral hygiene or diet. The sealants can help protect their teeth, as well.
Custom Mouthguards
If you or one of your children plays contact sports, then a custom mouthguard can protect teeth from sustaining damage. Our dentists at All American Dental in Columbia, MO are experts in taking the impressions that our laboratories need to create custom mouthguards that can prevent severe dental damage.
Custom Nightguards
If your teeth are found to have severe wear or cracks or if you report jaw pain, Dr. Stapleton, Dr. Wietholder or Dr. Schilke may recommend a custom nightguard. This device fits onto your teeth to help protect them while you are sleeping. Night-time clenching and grinding of teeth is very common but is also very detrimental to the teeth. Many people don’t realize that they clench or grind in their sleep, but the effects may be noticeable to your dentist during your exam.
Dental Cleanings
Once every six months, everyone should visit our dentists for a checkup and professional dental cleaning in Columbia, MO. Professional cleanings are important because they can help eliminate plaque and tartar from your teeth that can lead to tooth decay.
Preventing tooth decay can prevent the need for fillings, inlays or onlays, crowns, replacing teeth, and other expensive dental services. Following the cleanings, our dentists can provide you with instructions to take better care of your teeth and prevent the need for further treatments to protect them.
Preventive dentistry can help specific problems, or it can protect your overall dental health because of the dental problems it can prevent. If you don’t want to deal with tooth decay and its ramifications, speak to our dentists at All American Dental about getting the best dental care from them in Columbia, MO.
FAQs
Preventive dentistry focuses mainly on maintaining optimal oral health and controlling dental problems before they occur. It covers regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and the use of dental sealants. Preventive care aims to lessen the risk of cavities, gum problem, and many other dental issues by addressing potential problems early. This approach helps ensure long-term oral health and minimizes the need for highly extensive dental treatments in the future.
Preventive dentistry is important because it helps find out and address dental issues before they become serious. Regular check-ups, cleanings, and treatments like fluoride and sealants reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. It saves you money by preventing costly procedures and ensures your teeth and gums stay always healthy, thus enhancing your overall well-being and confidence.
You should visit the dentist for preventive care at least every six months. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to find out any potential issues quickly and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. If you have specific dental doubts, concerns or risk factors, your dentist may ask for more frequent visits. These visits are key to maintaining good oral health and preventing long-term problems.
The main preventive dental services include regular cleanings, check-ups, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, while check-ups allow the dentist to spot issues early. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, and sealants protect teeth from cavities, particularly in the back molars. These services work together to reduce the risk of various common dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
Dental sealants refers to thin coatings applied on the chewing surfaces of backside teeth to protect them from cavities. The sealant helps fill in the deep grooves and pits, making it much harder for food and bacteria to get trapped. This simple and painless procedure helps prevent cavities, especially in children and teenagers who may feel difficulty cleaning these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants are truly effective and can last for several years.
Fluoride helps stop by strengthening tooth enamel, hence making it much more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria in the mouth. It also helps repair initial signs of tooth decay by remineralizing weakened enamel. Fluoride is commonly applied during cleanings and is found in toothpaste and mouth rinses. Regular fluoride treatments can majorly reduce the risk of cavities, especially for those who are more prone to dental decay.
Yes, preventive dentistry can help prevent gum disease by addressing its earliest signs. Regular cleanings help eradicate plaque and tartar buildup, which are major contributors to gum disease. Routine check-ups also allow your dentist to detect gum inflammation, bleeding, or early-stage gingivitis. Maintaining great oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing, also plays a crucial part in preventing gum disease.
To maintain the best oral health at home, brush your teeth minimum two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and make use of a mouthwash to lessen bacteria. Avoid sugar-based foods and drinks that contribute to cavities, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, don’t smoke or use tobacco products, as they can cause gum disease and several other oral health problems. Regularly going to your dentist for check-ups is also essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.
During a basic dental exam, your dentist will properly check your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of problems including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. X-rays may be taken to find out hidden issues. Your dentist will also clean the area and remove plaque and tartar collection to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You’ll receive advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, and any treatment options will be discussed if issues are found.
Yes, dental X-rays are an important part of preventive care. They allow your dentist to find out issues that are not clearly visible during a routine exam, including cavities between teeth, bone loss, or infections. X-rays help identify problems early so treatment can begin before issues worsen. The amount of radiation used is minimal, and X-rays are only taken when necessary for accurate diagnosis and care.
To prevent dental cavities, brush your teeth two times in a day using nice fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and control sugary snacks and drinks. Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and going to the trusted dentist regularly for cleanings and exams can help protect your teeth. Also, fluoride treatments and dental sealants can provide extra protection against cavities, especially for children and teenagers.
Diet plays a significant part in preventive dentistry. Eating a nice, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy helps promote strong teeth and healthy gums. Limiting sugary foods and drinks largely reduces the risk of cavities, as sugar feeds bacteria that produce acid and cause tooth decay. Foods that are quite rich in calcium and vitamin D, like milk and leafy greens, are especially beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
Yes, preventive dentistry can help avoid tooth loss by finding and addressing issues like cavities and gum disease early. Regular cleanings, exams, and good oral hygiene habits can prevent decay and gum infection, both of which are major causes of tooth loss. Preventive care, which include fluoride treatments and sealants, can also protect against damage to teeth, helping you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Yes, preventive dentistry can help with bad breath by addressing its causes. Regular cleanings remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Your dentist will also check for any unchecked issues, including gum disease, cavities, or dry mouth, which can cause persistent halitosis. Maintaining great oral hygiene at home, including brushing your tongue and utilizing mouthwash, can also help freshen your breath.