Preventative Dental Care Richmond, VA

We have all heard from a young age that it is important to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. That is only one aspect of caring for the teeth and keeping them healthy. Preventative dental care also includes regular oral exams, professional cleanings, and routine X-rays along with good lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition and hygiene habits.

If it has been a while since you or your family has seen a dentist, it is time for a checkup. Preventative dentistry is available at Dental First in Richmond and the surrounding area. Call us at (804) 648-1305 to schedule an appointment.

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    The Importance of Preventative Care

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults suffers from untreated tooth decay. The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on. Preventative dental care lowers the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. It can also help reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.

    Oral health is also connected to the health of the entire body. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria as well as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, including preventative dentistry, secondary problems can develop such as respiratory and heart disease.

    In addition to reducing a family’s risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive dental care can save money. While it may not completely eliminate treatments such as fillings, it can go a long way in reducing the need for costly services. In fact, a study by Cigna concluded that, "Customers who did not receive preventive care experienced a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period of time." This illustrates that individuals who practice regular preventive oral health care and visit their dentist as recommended achieve higher cost savings each year.

    “The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on.”

    Visit the Dentist Regularly

    Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately. Typically, dental visits are recommended twice a year. However, the American Dental Association recommends that the dentist determine just how often someone needs to be seen based on the patient’s current oral health status, and medical and history.

    Personalized oral care is vital for good dental health. Family members at high risk for dental problems may benefit from more frequent visits while someone at low risk for dental problems may see the same benefits from fewer trips to the dentist. Our dentist will help determine any potential risk factors and how many follow up appointments are appropriate.

    “Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately.”

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    Making the Right Lifestyle Choices

    Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family’s dental health. From poor sleep to smoking and piercings, many personal decisions can harm oral health. Using tobacco inhibits your mouth's natural healing properties and makes you more likely to experience dental disease, while the hardware used in piercings in the lips, cheeks or tongue can cause gum recession and chipped teeth.

    A healthy diet can also prevent dental issues down the road. A diet lacking in certain nutrients may make it more difficult for tissues in the mouth to resist infection, which can contribute to gum disease. This is a major contributor to tooth loss in adults.

    It is best to limit the intake of excess sugar. Sugar is the bacteria’s food of choice and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many foods and drinks packed with sugar are also acidic, which can break down a tooth’s protective enamel. Drink plenty of water and eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. The vitamins and minerals provided in such foods assist with oral health.

    “Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family’s dental health.”

    Treatments to Consider

    In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family’s preventative dental care. These may include fluoride or dental sealants. These services and treatments provide another protective layer to help combat tooth decay.

    Topical fluorides strengthen existing teeth, making them more decay-resistant. Many dentists provide these treatments to children under 18. For people who are predisposed to cavities or decay, a special gel for daily home use may be recommended.

    Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painting on the chewing surface of teeth. They shield the teeth from food debris and bacteria responsible for cavities. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then the sealant is applied. It is hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light to fuse it to the teeth. The entire process takes less than an hour.

    “In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family’s preventative dental care.”

    FAQ

    Q. What is preventative dentistry?

    A. Preventative dentistry is specific care designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It involves regular dental visits along with good lifestyle habits like brushing and flossing. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help prevent the need for high-cost treatments in the future.

    Q. How often do I need to see the dentist for preventative dental care?

    A. For most people, two visits to the dentist a year are recommended. However, our dentist may suggest additional visits if problems are detected, or if the patient is at high risk for oral health issues. During these visits, patients receive a professional cleaning, any necessary X-rays, and an overall examination of the mouth.

    Q. I have not seen the dentist in a long time. Now what?

    A. Patients avoid the dentist for a number of reasons. It is never too late to resume healthy oral health habits. The first step is calling our staff at (804) 648-1305 to make an appointment. We will identify any dental conditions and work to restore your oral health.

    Q. What happens during a dental cleaning and exam?

    A. Dental cleanings and exams involve the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, a professional cleaning, any necessary X-rays and a thorough exam by our dentist to look for any oral health issues. Regular checkups can help catch potential problems before they get worse.

    Q. Why do I need X-rays?

    A. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool to help identify problems inside your teeth or beneath the gum line before they become a more serious problem. This can potentially save you money and unnecessary pain.

    Q. I brush my teeth every day. Why do I need a professional cleaning?

    A. Regular care and professional cleanings from a dentist are a major component of preventative dental care. Brushing alone does not get all of the plaque and tartar that can become trapped in the ridges of your teeth. Once tartar has developed, you are more susceptible to cavities, gum disease and other problems.

    Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

    By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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    Dental Terminology

    Decay
    Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
    Dental Caries
    Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
    Dental Checkup
    A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
    Dental Filling
    A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
    Dental Prophylaxis
    A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
    Dental Sealants
    Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
    Dentist
    A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
    Enamel Loss
    Enamel loss can result from multiple health issues including tooth erosion and occurs when acids slowly wears away the enamel.
    Gingivitis
    Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
    Oral Cancer Screening
    An oral cancer screening can be a part of a regular dental checkup with a professional checking the gums and face for any signs of oral cancer.
    Periodontitis
    Periodontitis is a condition that occurs when inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth causes the gums to shrink and loosen the teeth.
    Preventive Dentistry
    Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
    Secondary Health Problems
    Secondary health problems require the treatment of a specialist in a specific field instead of a general dentist to receive more than just a regular checkup.
    Tartar
    Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
    Tooth Enamel
    Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
    Topical Fluoride Treatment
    A topical fluoride treatment is typically a type of gel-like substance that people can apply to their teeth, such as toothpaste.

    Schedule Your Preventative Visit Today

    If it’s been some time since you’ve scheduled preventative dental care, call us at 804-648-1305 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.

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    • Dental First was established in 2013.
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    • We serve patients from the following counties: Henrico County and Hanover County
    • We serve patients from the following cities: Richmond, Ashland, Staunton, Glen Allen, North Chesterfield, Midlothin, Montrose, Bensley, Bon Air, East Highland Park, Mechanicsville, Laurel, Henrico, Tuckahoe, and Chester
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