Staying on top of your preventive dental care is very important to help you avoid issues with your oral health. It all begins at home with good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. This will help limit the amount of procedures needed in the future. When you are in need of a preventive dental care dentist, Dr. Dalesandro can help. Below you'll be able to find more information on our procedures and treatments.

Preventive dental care examination room in Tucson Arizona.

Comprehensive Examination

Preventive dental care is the best thing we can provide our patients. Comprehensive Dental Examinations are recommended for all our new and returning patients in order to maintain their dental health.

Periodic Examination

We want to find out about oral problems as soon as they arise. Preventive dental care helps us achieve this. The best way is through periodic dental examinations. Our exams include:

Periodontal Disease Screening

You won't notice this disease on your own until it starts causing pain in the advanced stages. By then your gums and bones will be permanently damaged. Our screening will show if you're one of the 3 in 4 adults being affected by the disease.
Oral Cancer Screening

We'll check for lumps, sores, masses, or changes in color on your gums. You could have a higher chance of cancer based on your habits or family history.
Caries Detection

Caries is the scientific name for tooth decay and crumbling. We utilize surface exploration, radio-graphic data, and other technology to detect it in our periodic exam to assist with preventive dental care.
Radio-graphic Evaluation

It can be impossible to detect certain dental problems without an X-Ray. We use Radio-graphic technology in order to provide the best care possible for our patients.

Sealants

Children get pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of their molars in hard-to-reach that are prone to decay. We recommend sealing those pits to provide protection while they learn to effectively take care of their teeth. This will help achieve the best preventive dental care results.

Professional Dental Cleaning

While regular oral hygiene is essential for your dental health and preventing disease, it can only go so far. Your toothbrush is completely ineffective at removing tartar, which holds bacteria than can result in Periodontal disease. We offer in-house treatments like Deep Cleanings and Surgery by our Professional Periodontal Specialists.

Oral Hygiene Instruction

We provide clear direction and advice for at-home dental hygiene. You'll be provided with your own dental tools, along with proper flossing and brushing techniques in order to keep your mouth healthy. Even though these are done at home this is still considered preventive dental care.

At-home Preventive Dental Care

Taking care of your teeth at home is key to oral health and will help you limit the times you visit the dentist's office. First thing to consider is what products you are using. Every product you bring home for oral hygiene must contain the "ADA" seal. This seal represents the American Dental Association. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and anything related to dental care can be trusted if this seal is on the packaging.

The top 3 basic dental principles to remember:

Remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day. Set a timer if you need, to make sure that you spend at least 3 minutes brushing.
Flossing is extremely important. Remind yourself to floss once a day.
All products you buy to help you maintain proper dental hygiene must include the ADA Seal on the packaging.

The big part that at-home preventive dental care helps with is targeting the buildup of plaque in and around your teeth and gums. This also ends up fighting bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it's important to make sure this gets done every day. You can use regular toothbrushes, or even power brushes. The important thing is to make sure you take care of this daily. There's many options when it comes to other dental at home tools like wax and unwaxed floss. If you need help deciding what tools you need contact our office of Dr. Dalesandro.

Consequences of Poor Preventive Dental Care at Home

Not taking your at-home preventive dental care seriously has its consequences. When someone has poor oral hygiene this creates a situation where they accumulate plaque build up around the teeth and gums. This then causes the gums to become red and inflamed. Plaque is filled with bacteria, which is what causes those issues along with tooth decay and gum disease. On top of making sure you take care of these care tasks at home, it's very important to schedule a meeting with your dentist every six months. This will also ensure you have strong healthy teeth for as long as possible.

Preventive Dental Care questions people also asked

What exactly is preventive dental care?

The term preventive dentistry represents a form of dental care that helps you keep good oral health. This includes regular dental check-ups to go along with having good dental habits like brushing your teeth and flossing. It's best to start following preventive dental practices at a young age. This will help prolong your oral health.

Is deep cleaning considered preventive care?

In most cases, your dental insurance will consider routine cleaning as a form of preventive care. However, deep cleaning is usually considered a more complex version of it. Therefore, a lot of insurance policies will not count it as such. To know for sure you will have to contact your insurance provider for details.

What are the components that make up preventive dental care?

There are a few things you'll have to stay on top of to make sure you're following your dentist's recommendations. Below is a list to always keep in mind when it comes to this.

Professional Teeth Cleaning
Oral Cancer Screenings
Salivary Diagnostics
X-Rays
Protective Mouthguards
Salivary Diagnostics
Fluoride Treatment

What is a dental sealant?

When a dentist offers to provide a dental sealant, this is to help protect your teeth. This is a coating that is added to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, also known as the molars. This will go a long way in preventing cavities for many years.

Why is preventive dental care so important?

Practicing good preventive dental care habits is very important. For a few reasons, including keeping your teeth strong. Without taking good care of your teeth, you may deal with dental problems. Gum disease can impair your ability to eat and even speak properly. It can cause pain and bad breath. Preventive care can help avoid diseases like this or stop in its tracks early.

Preventive Dental Care with Dr. Dalesandro

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