Preventative Dental Care Dumont, NJ
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 Dumont Family Dental in Dumont and the surrounding area. Call us at (201) 374-7202 to schedule an appointment.
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.”
A Proper Cleaning Routine
Having a proper cleaning routine remains the most important part of preventative dental care. People must brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Brushing will remove decay-causing bacteria and debris, while flossing helps clean the tight spaces between the teeth.
Brushing and flossing can remove plaque and prevent it from developing. However, once plaque has developed into tartar, the only way to remove it is with a professional dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are a part of routine dental appointments and involve using a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between teeth.
“Brushing will remove decay-causing bacteria and debris, while flossing helps clean the tight spaces between the teeth.”
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Lifestyle Choices To Promote Good Oral Health
Healthy lifestyle choices are also an important part of preventative dental care. For example, eating a healthy and balanced diet can promote good oral health and hygiene. Eating a balanced diet provides essential nutrients to promote good teeth and gum health. Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk are beneficial for oral health. We recommend limiting candies, sodas, and starchy foods that can get stuck in the mouth.
Other decisions that people can make to better their oral health include not smoking or getting oral piercings. Smoking results in more bacterial plaque, leading to gum disease. Infected gums cannot heal since smoking prevents a sufficient amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop gum disease. People should also avoid oral piercings since complications are relatively common. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral piercings can foster periodontal pathogenic bacteria and significantly increase infection risk.
“Eating a balanced diet provides essential nutrients to promote good teeth and gum health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. How often should I see the dentist?
Q. What other preventative services are available?
Q. What is a proper cleaning routine?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
People Also Ask
Q. How frequently should I get an oral cancer screening?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental sealants?
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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How are fluoride treatments applied?
A. Fluoride treatments can happen with a brush, cotton swab, rinse, or mouth tray. It takes about 30 minutes for teeth to absorb the fluoride treatment and repair microscopic cavities. Patients will need to refrain from eating or drinking anything during this time.
Q. Are X-rays safe?
A. Yes. While X-rays involve the use of radiation, the levels are very minimal. They are safe for both children and adults.
Q. How do dental sealants prevent cavities?
A. While brushing and flossing are essential, it is sometimes difficult to thoroughly clean the rough surfaces of some teeth. The premolars and molars are especially susceptible to decay and cavities for this reason. Dental sealants form a protective coating over rough surfaces to shield teeth from cavities and decay.
Q. Is preventative dental care important for children too?
A. Preventative dental care is very important for children. While primary teeth are not permanent, they play a significant role in the proper emergence of adult teeth. Preventative dental care can help children protect their teeth for a lifetime of good dental health.
Q. How much does preventative dental care cost?
A. The cost of preventative dental care will depend on the patient's dental insurance. Insurance plans often cover preventative dental treatments. People should contact their insurance provider for more coverage information.
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Dental Terminology
Schedule Your Preventative Visit Today
If it's been some time since you've scheduled preventative dental care, call us at 201-374-7202 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, and website security
- Dumont Family Dental was established in 1973.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Bergen County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Dumont, New Milford, Bergenfield, Tenafly, Cresskill, Demarest, Haworth, Hackensack, Englewood, Teaneck, River Edge, and Paramus
- National Provider Identifier Database (1689734162). View NPI Registry Information
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