While dentists can help address a lot of oral health issues, they can also offer solutions to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Effective dental care in Midtown, NY, involves following oral hygiene procedures and everyday practices to prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy, reducing your chances of getting expensive dental treatment. Below are some preventative measures dentists use to keep their patients’ mouths healthy:
Thorough Oral Exams
During your dental appointments, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth. This examination includes oral cancer screening, diagnostic X-rays, and gum disease examinations. Also, your dentist will check your current restorations. So, if you have had dental crowns, fillings, or implants, they will check for potential defects in these restorations.
Oral Hygiene and Cleaning
After examining your mouth, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth. The procedure includes the following:
- Removing plaque. Plaque is a sticky film created through the combination of food particles, bacteria, and saliva. The bacteria may lead to cavities and inflammation of the gums when not removed.
- Eliminating tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque that forms on your tooth’s surface. Often, it builds above or below the gum line. Only professional teeth cleaning can get rid of them.
- Polishing the teeth. Polishing can eliminate plaques and stains on your teeth to provide them with a cleaner look.
Dental Sealant Placement
Dental sealants are thin sheets of plastic put on the teeth’s grooves, often the back teeth, as you use them for chewing food. They shield your teeth from bacteria and food debris. When applied properly, sealants can protect the teeth from decay.
Placing dental sealants take up to an hour. Your dentist will clean the teeth with air abrasion to get rid of stains. Then, the teeth are abraded to make sure the sealants bond properly with the surface. Your dentist will apply the sealants to the grooves when the surface of the teeth is dry. They will harden the sealants using ultraviolet light, ensuring they fuse to your teeth.
Home Care Education
It is important to take care of your oral health at home to avoid issues. Oral health is important for your overall health. Your dentist will educate you about the home care measures you must take to ensure optimal oral hygiene. These measures include brushing your teeth at least twice every day for two minutes, flossing your teeth once every day, and rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash. Also, the dentist will emphasize the need to see them every six months.