What Is Preventive Dental Care? Everything You Need To Know

At Brightside Family Dental, Dr. Manish Mistry focuses on conservative, preventive dental care in Chapel Hill. What does that mean? Great question! In this blog, we’ll explain the basics of preventive dentistry and why it’s so important for your oral health. 
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What Is Preventive Dentistry? 

As the name suggests, preventive dentistry is focused on identifying and preventing cavities, infected teeth, gum disease, and other common oral health problems. Almost all oral health issues can be prevented with proper care at home and at the dentist’s office. 
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As a preventive dentist, Dr. Mistry always does his best to provide patients with the excellent care, at-home oral hygiene tips, and information necessary to keep their mouths healthy for the years and decades to come.
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The Most Common Preventive Dentistry Services=

Wondering what treatments are usually part of a preventive dentistry plan? Here are just a few of the most common preventive dentistry services. 

• Oral exam and teeth cleaning – Six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings are at the heart of preventive dentistry. Teeth cleanings ensure your teeth stay bright and shiny, and oral exams allow Dr. Mistry to examine your mouth and check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. ‍
• X-rays – We typically take x-rays once per year to check for hidden oral health issues at Brightside Family Dentistry. ‍
• Fluoride treatments – Typically, fluoride treatment can be performed after your six-month checkup appointment. This treatment uses a special, fluoride-rich liquid that helps strengthen your enamel and prevents decay. ‍
• Dental sealants – Dental sealants are usually used on the rear teeth. Dr. Mistry will apply a thin layer of liquid resin to the teeth, then harden it with UV light to create a barrier that protects against tooth decay.‍
• Oral cancer screenings – We provide oral cancer screenings as part of every exam. Oral cancer is rare, but often goes undetected unless a dentist notices it early. 
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Your Role In Preventive Dental Care

Your dentist has a role in keeping your mouth healthy, but you do, too! Proper at-home oral hygiene is essential for maintaining your oral health. Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and make healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, avoiding sugary drinks, and quitting smoking. 
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The Benefits Of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry saves you time and money, since you can avoid common oral health problems like cavities and infected teeth, and get immediate treatment if Dr. Mistry notices a problem. You also get peace of mind, since you’ll know your mouth is healthy. 
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Six-month visits are almost always covered by dental insurance, too, so routine preventive care helps you get the most from your dental benefits. 
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Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup In Chapel Hill Today 

Overdue for an oral exam and teeth cleaning in Chapel Hill? Dr. Manish Mistry is here to help. Contact Brightside Family Dental online or give us a call at (919) 391-0046 to schedule a consultation today. We’re always accepting new patients.