Preventative dental care refers to procedures or measures you or your dentist take to help avoid any major dental issues that could arise. Unfortunately, not many people acknowledge the importance of preventative dental care. As a result, they usually only see a dentist when major dental issues arise.

However, it is essential to note that combining good oral hygiene and preventative dental care can help you and your family avoid some dental issues that tend to be expensive to rectify or treat. Hence, if you want your family to enjoy the best possible dental health, you must consider various types of preventative dental care.

With that said, here are four types of preventative dental care you should consider for you and your family.

Regular Dental Checkups and Examinations 

Regular dental checkups are perhaps the most neglected form of preventative dental care. As a matter of fact, dentists recommend that you have dental checkups done at least twice a year. 

The central importance of regular dental checkups is to identify and rectify potential issues before they materialize. For instance, while kids are in their development stages, various issues such as cavities, tooth decay or even misalignments can occur. Thus, if your kids don't get regular dental checkups, they could develop issues that will trouble them in future. 

During a routine dental checkup, a dentist will usually conduct several examinations to establish the condition of your oral health. The examinations include:

• Oral cancer screening to check for signs of cancer developing
• X-rays to detect internal tooth decay, jaw bone loss, and tumors
• Checking for signs of gum disease
• Checking the condition of previously done dental restorations such as implants, fillings, and crowns
• Checking for signs of tooth decay or cavities developing

Thus, taking your family for regular dental checkups and examinations is one of the best preventative dental care approaches you can take to ensure your family maintains excellent dental and oral health.

Deep Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis) 

Prophylaxis is a type of teeth cleaning that utilizes a metal scraper or an ultrasonic dental cleaner to remove tartar and plaque buildup around your teeth.  

Plaque buildup is a pale sticky film that forms on your teeth when saliva, food particles and bacteria combine. Unfortunately, the bacteria in the plaque produce acids that deteriorate your teeth's enamel, thus leaving the teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay.  

On the other hand, tartar is crystallized or hardened plaque. It usually forms at the base of the teeth just below or above the gum line. Unfortunately, the accumulation of tartar makes it difficult to properly brush your teeth because it acts as a hardened cover on the teeth. Hence, if neglected, tartar can facilitate the development of cavities and tooth decay.

To prevent your teeth from getting damaged due to the presence of tartar and plaque, it is advisable to undergo a prophylaxis procedure as a form of preventative dental care.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin plastic sheet that gets placed on the groves of your molars and premolars to shield them from the accumulation of bacteria and food particles. Remember, when bacteria and food particles accumulate in the grooves of your molars and premolars, it can lead to the development of cavities and decay. Therefore, installing dental sealants is a form of preventative dental care against cavities and tooth decay. 

Fluoride Treatment 

Fluoride treatment involves a dentist or a dental hygienist applying high fluoride concentrations to fortify your teeth. In a nutshell, a fluoride treatment strengthens your teeth's enamel making them more resistant to:

• Bacterial acids
• Development of plaque and tartar
• Cavities
• Tooth decay

Therefore, fluoride treatment is a preventative dental care procedure that can help you avoid expensive dental treatments resulting from tooth decay and cavities. It will also prevent you from regularly requiring tartar and plaque removal.