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May is National Dental Care Awareness Month
What is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining oral health and achieving a lasting, confident smile. It encompasses daily habits such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, regular flossing, and a balanced diet, complemented by routine oral exams and professional cleanings.
Many dental insurance plans prioritize preventive care due to its pivotal role in oral health maintenance. This often results in coverage at 100% with minimal or no deductibles or co-pays, meaning you experience minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Preventive dentistry encompasses essential services provided by your dentist to proactively reduce the risk of oral health issues that can be costly and uncomfortable to treat. These services include:
Diagnostic Services: Early detection through oral evaluations (check-ups), X-rays, and professional cleanings.
Fluoride Treatments: Especially beneficial for children to strengthen tooth enamel.
Sealants: Protective coverings applied to permanent molars to prevent decay in natural grooves.
Educational Instruction: Guidance from your dentist or dental hygienist on proper brushing, flossing techniques, and the use of oral hygiene aids.
Nutritional Counseling: Advice on maintaining a healthy diet for optimal oral health.
Tobacco Cessation Counseling: Support for quitting tobacco use, which impacts oral health.
Space Maintainers: Devices for children to preserve proper tooth alignment.
Preventive Resin Restorations: Protective treatments or decay-arresting medications for children at high risk of tooth decay.
Preventive dentistry services are designed to help your dentist monitor your oral health, encourage healthy habits, and prevent the onset of new dental issues through various treatment options. By catching signs of oral health problems early, both you and your dentist have the opportunity to identify, treat, and potentially reverse issues before they progress.
It's important to note that services like fillings, root canal therapy, periodontal treatments, orthodontics, or tooth extractions are not categorized as preventive dentistry. These treatments are aimed at addressing existing problems and typically fall under basic or major procedures.
Regular preventive dentistry services are crucial. Consistent dental visits and preventive care can help you preserve your overall health and wellness as you age, while also saving you time, money, and potential discomfort by preventing serious dental issues.
For information about preventative dentistry, visit here.
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