Preventative Dental Care

What is Preventative Dental Care?

Preventive or preventative dental care refers to actions taken by a patient to protect against oral diseases and maintain a healthy smile for life. During regular dental check-ups, which are also part of preventive dentistry, your dentist will guide you on what actions to take.

What Does Preventative Dental Care Include?

It is a combination of regular dental examinations and the development of good habits such as brushing and flossing. Taking care of your teeth begins in childhood and continues throughout your life.

Preventive dental services typically include regular dental exams (after every six months on average or depending on your oral health), teeth cleaning, and routine x-rays.

However, the patient is responsible for a large portion of preventive dental care. Early development of dental care habits can aid in the reduction of cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis. Such dental habits include brushing, flossing, using a mouthwash, avoiding food and beverages harmful to the teeth enamel, avoiding tobacco products, getting a nightguard if there is a presence of teeth grinding, and using a mouth guard for sports where required.

Dentists for Preventive Dental Services

Dentistry is spread over different specialties. You can receive preventive dental services from a:

General Dentist

A general dentist is also known as a family dentist. This is your go-to provider for routine preventive care. They will also perform fillings and other basic dental care. One of your general dentist’s primary responsibilities is to advise you on proper care for yourself. They can detect potential problems early on, assist you in developing healthier habits, and refer you to dental specialists if necessary.

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are experts in providing dental services for children. Most children will begin receiving dental care as soon as their first tooth appears.

In many cases, a pediatric dentist will continue to see children well into their adolescence. They offer preventive dentistry as well as more specialized care when necessary, such as extractions, fillings, and, in some cases, oral surgery.

Preventative Vs Basic Dental Care

There are three levels of dental services: preventative, basic, and major. Services typically covered at the preventative level include your prophylaxis or hygiene appointments, regular dental exams, bitewing, and panoramic x-rays, fluoride application, and other dental preventative measures.

Composite resins (fillings or bondings), along with some emergency x-rays and exams are usually covered at the basic level of services. Meanwhile, inlays & onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures, and other full-mouth procedures are covered under the major level.

Preventive Dental Services in Chula Vista

Dr. Nick Addario provides preventative dental care in Chula Vista. Apart from routinely scheduled dental exam appointments, teeth cleaning services, and x-rays, Dr. Addario takes special initiative to guide his patients in developing healthy oral habits to maintain dental care on their own. Along with assistance from trained staff, patients will enjoy a comfortable and hygienic environment at Dr. Addario’s dental office in Chula Vista.

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