Preventive dentistry is caring for your teeth and gums to keep them healthy and prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. This typically means visiting our dentist at Streamside Dental, for regular visits for checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow our dentist to closely monitor your oral health and catch any problems early before they become more significant issues that require extensive treatments. 

Types of Preventive Dentistry Procedures

Professional Cleanings

When patients come to the dentist for professional cleaning, they get rid of plaque and tartar buildup from regular brushing and flossing; even the best at-home routine cannot entirely alleviate the teeth of dangerous bacteria. Professional cleaning cleans deeper than an at-home routine, removing even the hard-to-reach places your toothbrush cannot quite reach. It is crucial to keep your mouth safe and clean between visits. 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments replenish the teeth with essential minerals that help strengthen and protect the enamel. Fluoride treatment can also help reverse the effects of small cavities not large enough to be repaired with a filling. These quick and easy treatments can be used during most regular appointments. 

Dental Sealants

Some patients have deep pits or grooves at the back of their molars, where food and bacteria get trapped and cause decay. To protect these areas from damage, a dentist may apply dental sealants to the teeth and fill the crevices to keep out food particles. The sealant is a plastic material painted onto the tooth's surface to fill in these deep grooves. 

The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are the easiest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from developing in your mouth. However, even with the best oral hygiene routine, plaque can still build up on your teeth and cause cavities to form over time. This can happen if you miss a day of brushing or forget to floss. That is when preventive dental treatment comes into play. Preventative dentistry includes treatments to prevent plaque buildup without forcing you to change your hygiene habits. 

In addition to at-home care, your healthy smile needs regular attention from your dentist. Regular exams allow our dentist to monitor your oral health and identify problems in their earliest stages. When cavities are caught early, they are much smaller and easier to treat, saving time, money, and unnecessary discomfort. Reducing your risk of gum disease is another critical aspect of preventive dentistry. Because periodontal disease can progress slowly without causing symptoms, many patients only have their condition diagnosed once it has progressed significantly. 

You can help keep your smile healthy for many years by visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Contact Streamside Dental at 51 Eagle Rd, A1 Avon, Eagle-Vail, Colorado 81657, or call (970) 479-0408 to schedule your next appointment!