Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry provides the best opportunity to maintain a beautiful smile and long-term dental health by preventing them from occurring. Preventative dentistry can be performed by your dentist or by just practising good dental hygiene. This article describes how you may prevent some diseases from occurring and how to cure them if they do exist.
A. Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Oral hygiene is to maintain your mouth germ free which is critical for healthy teeth and gums. For practising good oral hygiene measures you should;
1. Clean your teeth a minimum of twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
2. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums to clean your gum line as well
3. Brush your tongue
4. Floss daily
5. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash once daily
B. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Habits
Not just what you eat, but also when you eat, might have an impact on your oral health. Have a well-balanced diet and restrict between-meal snacking. Avoid sugars because when they interact with plaque in the mouth they produce acid to damage the teeth, ultimately dental decay. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
C. Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
You should also visit your dentist on a regular basis for dental check-ups and cleanings. Usually people require professional cleanings twice a year to maintain their gums and teeth in good health. But, if you have a history of decayed teeth or gum problems, your dentist might have to evaluate you more frequently.
D. Additional Preventive Dentistry Services
Other dental procedures include the application of fissure sealants and fluoride therapy. Both of these therapies aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
Restorative Dentistry
The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair or replace broken or missing teeth.
A. Common Dental Problems
· Dental decay is caused by the destruction of the tooth structure by acid generated in the mouth and its interplay with sugar in our diet, which can result in holes or cavities in our teeth. Toothaches are common symptoms when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. Black spots on teeth, foul breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth are some other signs.
· Gum disease, often known as gingivitis, seems to be a bacterial infection caused by plaque accumulation. Gums which are red, inflamed, and bleed readily are common symptoms. You may also have foul breath and sensitive teeth that cause pain when chewing.
· Dental sensitivity arises when the enamel wears down and the dentin is uncovered, your teeth get hypersensitive to hot and cold meals and drinks. Such reasons include gum disease, infection of the roots and a fractured or broken tooth
· Missing a tooth or multiple teeth is another common problem that affects your ability to eat and can influence the esthetics.
B. Restorative Treatments and Procedures
Depending on your specific oral health demands, there are numerous types of dental restorations:
· A filling or a crown may be recommended by your dentist for a decaying or broken down tooth. Your dentist will remove the decaying section of your tooth, then fill the cavity with a tooth-colored material or put a crown on top. This preserves the tooth structure and lowers the likelihood of future harm.
· A cavity or fracture can sometimes go deeply enough into your tooth to contact the nerves fibres in your tooth. Root canal treatment is required in these circumstances to prevent infection. Your dentist will remove the damaged nerves and blood vessels inside your tooth and replace the empty area with dental filling material during this treatment.
· Bridges, dentures, and implants are indicated to replace a lost tooth or teeth. A bridge is made up of false teeth with dental crowns along both sides. The crowns are placed over your original teeth, and the prosthetic teeth bridge the space between them. A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth root. Dentures are another conventional method of replacing missing teeth with plastic like teeth and a base that rests on gums.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is the area of dental care that seeks to make your smile seem better.
A. Common Cosmetic Dental Problems and Treatments
Cosmetic problems that you may encounter include
· Teeth that have been chipped or fractured,
· Tiny spaces or gaps between your teeth
· Staining of the teeth
· Teeth that are misaligned
B. Cosmetic Dental Treatments and Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry seeks to improve the appearance of a smile by making it more symmetrical, and visually pleasant.
· Professional teeth whitening may substantially brighten the tone of your teeth. Several dentists provide both in-office and at-home teeth whitening services. It takes roughly 90 mins to accomplish in-office whitening. Typically, at-home whitening takes a few weeks.
· Veneers can hide a variety of visual problems, including chipping, cracks, and discolouration. They are either constructed of composite filling material or shell-like porcelain structures.
· Orthodontic therapy is a method of correcting misaligned teeth. To rectify teeth alignment, wires and brackets are fixed and controlled forces are administered. Nowadays, there are more aesthetic solutions available, and silver wires and brackets are no longer required.
Emergency Dentistry
A. Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Common dental emergencies are;
· Toothache and Swelling: See your dentist as soon as possible, especially if you have a fever and difficulty breathing.
· Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth: Replace your knocked-out tooth, or soak it within milk and take it to the dentist within 30 minutes.
· Lost or Broken Fillings or Crowns: Take your crown with you to your dentist as soon as possible. Eat nothing from the affected side until the problem is addressed
Conclusion
Preventative dentistry is dental care that assists in the maintenance of excellent oral health. It is a mix of frequent dental exams and the development of excellent habits such as brushing and flossing, to maintain your smile. Contact your dentist straight away if you want to keep your smile healthy.
