Dental Preventative Care Options

Prevention of oral diseases is always better than curing them. Proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet prevent most dental conditions. Dr. Nishita Gandhi offers Bronx preventative dentistry plans to help patients maintain healthy oral hygiene.  Some of the preventative plans she recommends includes:

Dental sealants

Dental sealants are commonly used on molars and premolars and are thin plastic coatings painted on teeth chewing surfaces to protect teeth enamel from decay.  Dental sealant application is a simple and painless process that only takes a few minutes. During the application procedure, your dentist will first thoroughly clean the targeted teeth to remove accumulated plaque and bacteria, an absorbent material will dry your teeth. Your dentist will then roughen up your teeth’ surface using an aid solution to enable the sealant to bond onto your teeth. Your teeth are again rinsed and dried. Afterward, the sealant is applied onto the tooth enamel and hardened using a special curing light. The effects of dental sealants are long-lasting. Sealants can protect your teeth against decay for up to 10 years. Although durable, sealants can wear out and chip over time. It is essential to go for regular dental checkups to monitor your sealants’ state and determine where you require reapplication.

Oral cancer screening

Oral cancer screening is a physical examination performed by your oral care provider to detect cancer signs in your oral region. Your dentist should perform oral cancer screening at every routine dental visit. The procedure involves a comprehensive physical assessment of your mouth. Your dentist usually looks for the presence of mouth sores or red and white lesions. Your dentist will further check for lumps or other oral abnormalities by touching the inside of your mouth using gloved hands. Your dentist will also assess your neck and throat. A thorough oral exam may involve additional tests including:

•         The use of a unique cancer screening dye, where you rinse your mouth using a blue dye. The cancer screening dye helps to expose abnormal cancerous cells.
•         The use of an oral cancer screening light involves using a shining light to expose abnormal cancerous tissue.

Nightguards

Nightguards, also known as mouth/dental guards or bite splints, are appliances to prevent the destructive effects of teeth grinding and clenching. Nightguards put a barrier between your teeth, cushioning the jaw muscles. Nighttime teeth grinding can cause headaches and sore jaws upon awakening. Regular teeth grinding and clenching also erode your teeth leading to reduced tooth size and length. When fitting your night guards, it is essential to consider factors like the material’s strength and durability. It is better to purchase Custom made night guards than ready-made over-the-counter night guards. Custom made night guards are made from your oral impressions and are therefore more fitting.

Smoking cessation

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, including tooth discoloration, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Smoking cessation is a great way to prevent oral diseases and preserve a healthy smile. If quitting is hard, it is essential to seek medical guidance and support to help you stop.

Jennifer Eonflux