Preventative Dental Care Dubuque, IA

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.

The Ins and Outs of a Dental Cleaning

A routine dental cleaning represents a major component of preventative dentistry. It is also a good time to find out if there are teeth that could use additional attention while brushing or flossing. These appointments typically include a regular checkup with our dentist to examine the teeth, look for signs of oral cancer, and take any necessary X-rays.

A basic dental cleaning includes a physical exam of the entire mouth, which involves using a small mirror to check around the teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation or other concerns. Our staff will then use small scraping tools to remove plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between the teeth. This is followed by a thorough tooth cleaning using a high-powered electric brush and dental flossing. Patients will have their mouth flushed with water as needed throughout the cleaning process.

Deep cleanings use special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar and bacteria below the gum line and down to the roots of the teeth. This type of cleaning helps prevent gum disease from advancing and causing tooth loss. Antibiotics, either in an oral form or as a gel or rinse, may be prescribed to help fight bacteria. As this type of cleaning goes below the gum line, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums.

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.

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.