No one wants to experience the negative side effects of poor oral health, like tooth pain, sensitivity, or even tooth decay, which makes regular dental checkups and good hygiene a key part of any routine. And although it may not seem like much at the moment, a few minutes per day spent taking care of your teeth can have many benefits in the long run beyond simply avoiding adverse issues.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is a system of dental care that aims to keep patients’ mouths healthy through routine maintenance. It involves both professional dental treatments as well as individual, at-home care. With good preventative dental habits, people can avoid costly procedures to fight infection or disease, while keeping their smile beautiful and their teeth white.
At-Home Preventative Dental Care
The foundation of preventative dentistry is what you do at home every day to clean and protect your mouth. Brushing for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a critical way to kill harmful bacteria and protect your tooth enamel. In addition, flossing is just as important to reach the tight gaps between teeth that a brush can’t reach.
At your next checkup, ask your dentist in Bulleen for a demonstration of the best flossing and brushing technique. If you’re flossing or brushing wrong, your at-home preventative care may not be as effective as it can be, increasing your risk for complications like cavities and gum disease.
You can build on this basic dental routine by using a mouthwash with fluoride to further fight bacteria in all corners of your mouth, or buying a good electric toothbrush to help more effectively clean teeth.
What Preventative Dentistry treatments are offered at Bulleen Plaza Dental?
The second half of preventative care is getting a regular checkup from your dentist. Every six months, you should have your mouth examined by your dentist in Bulleen to check for cancer, infections, jaw issues and cavities to create a treatment plan accordingly.
Perhaps the most important aspect of regular checkups is that brushing and flossing alone can’t get rid of all the harmful bacteria that build up in hard-to-reach places or along the gum line. At Bulleen Plaza Dental, we provide routine cleanings that go beyond what you can achieve at home, even with the best toothbrush and flossing technique. We can also offer preventative treatments like sealants and medical-grade fluoride rinses when needed.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
When preventative care isn’t enough to fight complications like cavities or infection, you’ll need restorative dental care. Restorative dentistry is any procedure that aims to repair teeth and restore ideal function. Common restorative procedures are fillings, inlays/onlays, veneers, and crowns.
What Restorative Dentistry treatments are available at Bulleen Plaza Dental?
Bulleen Plaza Dental is ready to handle any and all restorative needs, from filling cavities to more severe dental trauma. Most cavities can be filled with a composite material, but others may need an inlay/onlay or a crown to restore the tooth to a working state. More serious restorative procedures include root canals and oral surgery, for which we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Schedule Your Next Appointment Today
At Bulleen Plaza Dental, we understand how important preventive dental care is and we do everything we can to help our patients achieve the healthy smile they deserve. Looking for an experienced and compassionate dentist in Bulleen who can help you improve your oral health? Even if it’s been a while since you’ve seen us, there’s no time to wait when it comes to dental health. Call us on 03 9852 2234 or schedule an appointment online today!