Preventive dentistry has a very important place in this field, as in general health practices. Everyone who cares about oral and dental health should have information.
An example can be given to better understand the importance of the term “preventive”. In an adult, tooth decay starts between the teeth. This decay is initially curable with a filling. However, if medical intervention is delayed, the case may lead to root canal treatment or even tooth loss. Therefore, preventive dentistry is of great importance for individuals in all age groups from 7 to 70.
Why is Preventive Dentistry Adviced?
Today, many people prefer to apply for preventive dentistry applications before they encounter dental problems. Preventive dentistry adopts a preventive approach before dental problems occur. By recommending regular check-ups to their patients, dentists detect potential problems at an early stage and facilitate the treatment process.
It is also very important to prevent dental caries. It prevents caries formation by protecting tooth surfaces with techniques such as fluoride applications and fissure sealants. Strengthening tooth enamel is one of the basic elements of protecting dental health. Preventive dentistry increases the durability of teeth with enamel strengthening applications and protects against various external factors.
What are Preventive Dentistry Practices?
Preventive dentistry includes various applications and these applications aim to protect dental health. These procedures and their details are listed below:
1) Fluoride Application
Fluoride is an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. By applying fluoride, dentists increase the resistance of teeth to caries formation and provide a particularly effective preventive method in children.
2) Fissure Sealers
Fissure sealants have the function of closing the indentations and protrusions on the tooth surfaces. In this way, it prevents bacteria and food residues that may accumulate on the teeth and prevents caries formation. The teeth with the most intensive fissure sealant application are 6-year-old teeth in children.
3) Filling Paste
This application is mostly preferred for the back teeth of patients. It is a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The filling material seeps into the natural cracks on the tooth surface. In this way, bacterial formation and potential tooth decay are prevented.
4) Periodic Controls
Preventive dentistry closely monitors the oral and dental health of the patient through periodic check-ups. This includes measurements using X-rays. Thanks to early diagnosis, potential problems can be recognized and treated effectively.
What are the Ways to Protect Oral and Dental Health?
In addition to preventive dentistry, there are some measures that individuals can take to protect their own oral and dental health. These must become a habit. Only in this way can medical measures have a meaning. Perhaps the most important of these habits is brushing your teeth.
This action, which should be done regularly daily, prevents long-term plaque and bacteria accumulation on the teeth. The use of a toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by the dentist is important for effective cleaning.
Flossing is also an effective way to remove debris between teeth. Continuous use protects the structure of the gums and prevents the formation of caries. Avoiding the consumption of sugary and acidic foods has a positive effect on dental health. Healthy eating habits reduce caries formation and support general oral health.
What are the Advantages of Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry helps individuals protect their oral and dental health by offering many advantages. It prevents bigger dental problems thanks to early diagnosis and treatment. This saves patients money on care and treatment costs in the long term.
Treatments with early diagnosis are usually painless and easy. Patients experience less discomfort in dealing with dental problems. Preventive dentistry focuses on the preservation of natural teeth. This leads to more aesthetically satisfying results and reduces the need for prostheses.
Who is Suitable for Preventive Dentistry?
The applications within preventive dentistry are generally aimed at individuals of all ages. However, it can also be said that it is more important for people in certain age groups. Children and adolescents are one of these groups.
Since individuals at this age are in the period of tooth development, they are in particular need of preventive dentistry. Fluoride applications and fissure sealants provide effective protection to prevent caries formation in the little ones.
In addition, it is known that hormonal changes during pregnancy can adversely affect gum health. Therefore, pregnant women can protect their oral health with regular dental checks and preventive dentistry practices.
Individuals with tooth sensitivity also need special care and preventive treatments. Dentists recommend various applications to people in this situation to reduce and protect sensitivity. In addition, individuals who have previously undergone dental treatment can maintain the success of their past treatments for a long time with regular checks with preventive dentistry.
Besides, individuals using dentures should be more careful about protecting their natural teeth. The care and precautions they take in preventive dentistry play an important role in keeping their natural teeth healthy and durable along with their prostheses. For more information about preventive dentistry, please contact Istanbul Dental Center.
How to teach children the habit of brushing their teeth?
The habit of brushing teeth is the basis of preventive dentistry. The mechanical cleaning of the teeth should begin shortly after the eruption of the first milk teeth. This is something the mother should do. After the age of one year, this should be done with silicone finger brushes.
Children can use a toothbrush from about 3 years of age when their manual dexterity improves. School-age children can switch to normal brushing with pea-sized children’s toothpaste.
What is topical fluoride application in preventive dentistry?
Today, topical fluoride applications are recognized as a successful method for the prevention of caries development and this view is the gold standard. Topical fluoride applications are performed in two different ways: individual and professional. Individually applied topical applications are the methods given by the dentist and applied by the individual.
These are fluoridated mouthwashes and toothpaste containing 0.2 to 1 mg fluoride per milliliter, with a low fluoride concentration in the range of 200 to 1500 ppm.
When preventive dentistry is considered, how should children's eating habits be?
Foods with high carbohydrate content and foods that can stick to the teeth are the leading caries-causing foods, especially in children. When these foods are consumed during and after snacks without brushing their teeth, their caries-causing effects are inevitable. Although dentists recommend not using these foods at all, it is not possible to keep children away from them. If they are to be consumed, it would be correct to consume such products immediately after the main meals and brush the teeth afterward.