Preventative dentistry is a routine part of dental care; it is aimed at preventing decay, disease and damage to the teeth and gums which are extremely important for the proper mastication process or chewing of food. Preventative dentistry is a process that includes the dental clinic in Mansfield Ohio and the patient because it takes a combination of good daily oral hygiene and teeth maintenance. There are three distinct levels of preventative dentistry; primary care, secondary care and tertiary.
The most common examples of primary preventative dentistry are brushing and flossing regularly and the use of medicinal mouthwashes. Brushing is a dental practice that is followed by every culture regardless of who the people are or in what part of the world they live. There are cultures to this day that still use a frayed stick as a toothbrush. Brushing, flossing and medicinal mouthwash are important as they are the first line of defense from decay as they remove debris and reduce the build-up of dental plaque as well as reduce the level of bacteria in the mouth.
Another form of primary preventative dentistry involves the municipality, most of which add fluorine to the municipal water supply. Fluoride is added to the water in trace amounts, it has been shown in many studies that have been carried out over the years by the ADA and others that fluoride in the water can effectively reduce cavities by as much as 40 percent. Fluoridation the US has been carried out for many years; it was first introduced in 1945.
Another form of primary dental care is visiting the dental clinic in Mansfield Ohio on a regular basis for a check-up and professional cleaning. Regular visits to the dental clinic and regular cleanings are very important for the maintenance of good dental health. Although regular brushing helps control plaque build-up, a professional cleaning is needed to remove all of it. Plaque is one of the key causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
Secondary dental procedures include filling of cavities, root canals, installation of crowns, tooth restoration and removal. Removal of broken or impacted teeth is a common secondary procedure, especially the molars in the rear of the mouth known as wisdom teeth. The practices are designed to prevent further damage which can result in infections and disease.
Tertiary dental practices include out of mouth repair of broken dentures and bridges.
It is important that a visit to the dental clinic in Mansfield Ohio happen every six months. At this time the dentist can do a routine checkup which will catch problems while they are still manageable. Click here to know about Drs. Heringhaus, General Dentistry.
