Preventive dentistry is a therapeutic approach that aims to reduce an individual’s risk of developing oral disease and treat early disease. The aim is to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. There are many avenues within this approach, what is best for you will be influenced by your local, genetic and systemic factors.
It generally includes:
Regular Dental Check-ups: Dependent on a your risk category, attending dental exams every 6-12 months helps maintain and review your oral health. This includes evaluating past dental treatments, ongoing care, and planning for future dental needs.
Radiographs: Radiographs aid in detecting early signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay and potential oral pathology that may require further evaluation.
Risk Assessment: Based on individual factors, risk assessment enables the patient and clinician to work together in preventing disease.
Oral Hygiene Education: A crucial strategy in preventing plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease.
Dietary Advice and Education: Diet plays a vital role in oral disease development, so understanding a your eating habits and how these may contribute to your oral condition is important for your dentist.
Fluoride Use: Includes fluoride from water consumption, high fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, at home dental products and professional applications.
Professional Fluoride Application: High-strength fluoride treatments are offered to individuals at an elevated risk of tooth decay, particularly when active demineralisation is observed.
Scale and Polishing: A preventive procedure that reduces plaque buildup and lowers the risk of periodontal disease.
Fissure Sealants: A minimally invasive procedure that protects teeth, particularly for those with anatomical features that increase the risk of decay.
Why bother?
Whilst it may seem overwhelming, preventive dentistry is accomplished with just a few simple steps, relying on collaborative effort between you and your dentist. Minimally invasive dentistry yields impressive results in preventing oral disease and identifying patient needs early. With the guidance of your dental professional, you and your family can gain a better understanding of your oral health and take better control of it throughout your life. Proactive oral health prevention helps avoid the need for invasive dental treatments, which, for many patients and providers, are not the preferred option. What steps will you take to prioritise preventive oral health care?