At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, we are dedicated to providing our patients with an optimal level of dental care while helping them maintain good oral health. That’s why our team takes an approach that focuses heavily on preventive dental care. Preventive dental care can’t be underestimated in preserving the health of your teeth and surrounding oral tissues, preventing the development or progression of oral diseases, and cutting costs on future pricey dental treatments.
Dr. Xu takes pride in conservative and biomimetic dentistry and advises his patients to make sure they are getting their check-ups every six months, allowing our team to detect better if you have potential risks of tooth decay or gum diseases, along with customizing a tailored preventive program that suits your specific needs.
What is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dentistry includes a range of dental treatments, helping you minimize the potential risks of tooth decay or other gum diseases while resolving existing dental issues and arresting their progression. As a result, you can save your natural teeth and surrounding tissues for years to come, leading to a better quality of life.
What Are the Common Preventive Dentistry Services in Olympia?
Dr. Xu’s office offers a variety of quality preventive dental treatments geared towards adults and children, helping them keep a healthy smile and reducing their need for invasive dental procedures. Depending on your clinical situation, here’s a list of the preventive measures we offer:
Regular Check-ups
Some patients might only seek consultation when experiencing intermittent or persistent toothaches, which indicate a possible cavity or other dental issues. Our team advises that the best thing you can do for your teeth is have regular check-ups every six months, which helps resolve any issues before they worsen.
Routine X-rays
Dental X-rays are essential for detecting invisible abnormalities around your teeth or jawbone. Earlier detection improves the expected outcomes and the prognosis of the treatment plan. Precision Dentistry of Olympia uses digital X-rays (and other advanced technology) that reduce radiation doses and capture high-resolution images.
Regular Examinations
Did you know that cavities might be invisible? Cavities may not initially appear as dark or brownish spots. Instead, they might have a chalky white appearance, only detected by an expert eye. This is one of the reasons why we stress the importance of regular exams.
Also, Dr. Xu performs a detailed intraoral examination and advises if you have any visible abnormalities for prompt intervention.
Fluoride Treatments
Some people usually have higher risks of tooth decay than others due to various factors, such as genetics, sugary foods, bacteria, the anatomy of teeth, and others. Fluoride is an effective element that strengthens your enamel (the protective layer of the tooth) against tooth decay. However, you should consult a professional to determine the appropriate fluoride concentration and application method tailored to your specific needs, preventing potential systemic or local issues.
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of a child’s molars are more susceptible to tooth decay, especially when fissures are quite deep. Here comes the role of sealants! Dental sealants are thin plastic layers applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them shallower while reducing bacteria’s ability to stick in these areas.
Regular Cleanings
Tooth decay is not the only dental issue that negatively impacts your oral health. Many people might also have plaques and calculus accumulated over their teeth, causing various gum diseases like gum recession, pockets, and jawbone resorption. So, we recommend regular cleanings every six months to ensure good periodontal health and fresh breath!
Preventative Dental Care at Home
Good oral health requires regular check-ups and some procedures at home. Here’s what you should do to keep your smile healthy and brilliant.
Regular Brushing Daily
You should brush your teeth twice a day, ensuring you place the bristles at a 45-degree angle to your teeth while moving the brush in a gentle circular motion on the chewing, outer, and inner surfaces of your teeth. Also, you should remove any debris present on your tongue.
Flossing
Flossing is an essential preventive measure that should be incorporated in your daily routine. It helps you remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.
Minimize Sticky and Sugary Snacks
These snacks significantly increase your chances of tooth decay, especially when consumed often. Eating a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates, is the key to improving oral health and getting a caries-free mouth.
Are you considering getting a preventive program that best suits your oral health? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Xu today by phone at (360) 995-0025 or by clicking the button below.
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