A dentist in Mackay will tell their patients that they are not all about drilling and filling. Preventive care is of the utmost importance to ensure that people can enjoy a mouth that is cavity free and is healthy.
Although there is a vast number of treatments available that can restore teeth to their former glory, can reduce bad breath and remove plaque and tartar build up, by ensuring that the preservation of the natural tooth structure is upheld for as long as possible, there is less need for concern.
What are some aspects to preventive dentistry?
A lot of preventive dentistry comes through education and a knowledgeable and friendly dentist will be able to inform their patients on an at-home treatment plan that best suits their personal needs in order to achieve optimal oral health.
One aspect that will be discussed during a visit to the dentist will be regarding a patient’s diet and things they need to look out for.
It is common knowledge that it is important to brush and floss daily, and if a person does this, they can easily overlook the hidden dangers amongst the foods that they eat. A diet largely consisting of sweet and acidic foods are going to be more harmful on teeth and gums that softer foods.
An uncommon culprit to tooth decay is bread, as starch is converted into sugars by saliva and how bread melts in the mouth makes it easy to stick to teeth and hard to remove.
Are there some preventive procedures that can take place?
There certainly are some treatments available that can help prevent teeth from tooth decay. Fissure sealants fill in the grooves that are present in the molar teeth located in the back of the mouth.
These places can be hard to reach and even with regular brushing and flossing can be missed, resulting in unexpected cavities and decay.
The sealant that is applied is a thin plastic coating that makes the area smooth and easier to clean. With proper maintenance can last for up to 10 years and can be applied more than once over a lifetime. The procedure is non invasive and should be pain free.
It only takes one visit to the dentist for this procedure and is a great preventative treatment for both children and adults alike.
What are some general oral hygiene tips that the dentist will share?
Every patient will have a discussion with their dentist regarding their own personal needs for their oral health, but there are many generalised tips that dentists would love for everybody to keep in mind.
Brushing twice a day, morning and night and flossing at least once every day sets people on a great path to good oral health. There are many styles of floss and brushes available so if a person is finding it hard to maintain these simple oral hygiene steps then a friendly consultant will be more than happy to advise on some alternatives.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
