Preventive dental care is any measure taken to prevent cavities or gum disease. This typically includes brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting a dental professional for regular checkups.
Regular checkups help your dental professional detect cavities in the early stages and fill them before they develop into more serious tooth infections. At our dental practice, we also offer tailor-made treatment plans that fit the lifestyles of our patients with the aim of addressing their risk for cavities by employing state-of-art diagnostics and anti-cavity products. In addition, your dental professional will be able to perform an oral cancer screening during your checkup. Early detection is critical for treating oral cancer, a highly curable cancer. For patients having problems with their bite, we also offer comprehensive and highly customized treatment plans to restore the proper function of their bite and oral health.
Why Choose Preventive Care?
Preventive dental care allows our dentist to identify oral health issues early and provide conservative treatment solutions. By visiting our dentist every six months, you minimize your risk for cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and other common issues.
How Does Preventive Care Benefit Me?
Preventive dental care is the only way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and more. If you suffer from biocorrosion, we provide also treatments to restore the notches near the gum line and prevent further damage. Brushing and flossing every day is a great start, but even if you're on top of your dental hygiene routine, you'll still need to visit the dentist every six months.
During your visits, our hygienist will clean your teeth and check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Depending on your needs, the dentist may also recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments.
What Are My Options for Preventive Care?
The dentist may recommend a number of treatment options to help prevent the need for extensive future treatments.
1. Oral Hygiene
You may benefit from a schedule of regular teeth cleanings, which will remove plaque and tartar buildup and polish your teeth. You may also benefit from fluoride treatment or sealants to reduce your risk for cavities.
2. Fillings
If you've experienced a cavity, the dentist may recommend a dental filling. This treatment will restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
3. Dental Crowns
If you've experienced more severe damage, the dentist may recommend a dental crown. This is not only used for restoring teeth but may also be used to strengthen teeth.
4. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge may be used to restore two or more teeth. These teeth may be adjacent to each other or maybe on opposite sides of the mouth.
How Often Do I Need Preventive Care?
The American Dental Association recommends patients of all ages visit a dental office at least twice a year for routine preventive care visits. These regular checkups allow our team to provide comprehensive examinations, cleanings, and other treatments to keep your smile healthy.
How Do I Get Started With Preventive Care?
Preventive dental care includes at-home hygiene and in-office cleanings and exams. With the right hygiene routine (brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings), you can keep your teeth and gums in excellent shape.
In addition to brushing and flossing, your dental care routine can also include rinsing with mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum.
At Wade K. Marler, D.D.S, we offer the best dental care possible to each of our patients in a positive and relaxing environment. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at (253) 852-0480 or visit us at 17203 SE 270th Pl, Covington, WA 98042.