You feel good after your regularly scheduled dental visits twice yearly. You’ve had a thorough oral exam, x-rays, and your teeth were polished, flossed, and received a fluoride treatment. You feel you can smile with confidence again. But you should be happy for more reasons than that your mouth feels clean and fresh. If the dentist told you that you have no cavities or other dental problems you can breathe easy because you know that you are saving time and trouble with preventive dentistry.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is what your twice yearly dental visits are all about. They are to prevent serious problems from developing, problems that can cause pain and expense. The oral habitat of your mouth is such that if left unattended it can wreak havoc on your teeth leading to tooth loss, which can lead to a decline in health because you can’t chew healthy foods. To prevent this outcome, you practice good dental hygiene at home and attend dental appointments twice a year.
What Your Dental Appointments Accomplish
Your twice yearly dental appointments coupled with daily oral hygiene practices help prevent harmful bacterial plaque from developing and releasing acids that rot your teeth. Preventive care is about prevention, but you can’t always prevent everything, so it also includes early diagnosis and treatment to avoid costly dental problems in the future. Preventive dentistry includes
- Regular exams
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Sealants
Your dental exam and x-rays can detect:
- Tooth decay
- Failing dental work
- Malocclusion (bad bite pattern)
- Bruxism (chronic grinding and clenching)
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call us today at (972) 530-0552.
