Mona Lisa Smile Dental emphasizes the importance of preventative dentistry
Many people wait until they’re experiencing tooth pain to go to the dentist. At Mona Lisa Smile Dental, we prefer to help our dental patients avoid discomfort in the first place. At our San Ramon, California practice, we emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry and take steps to educate children and all patients on how to maintain proper oral dental health.
By offering our San Ramon pediatric patients detailed, comprehensive oral care, it is our goal to help them avoid common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other unwanted conditions. Our preventative dentistry approach to pediatric oral dental health seeks to help keep your mouth in good condition through regular office visits and proper at-home maintenance.
There are four conditions that are important to not only dental health, but to overall health as well. Let us help you prevent these conditions in your families.
Oral Cancer Screening
We provide an oral cancer screening at every examination visit. Also, we can help counsel patients about the role of tobacco, alcohol and other habits that can relate to oral cancer so that together we can eliminate risk factors and help prevent it.
Dental Decay and Infection
A dental decay happens when certain bacteria in plaque utilize dietary sugars to produce acid, which gradually erodes the tooth enamel and produces a hole or cavitation. Efforts to prevent this include minimizing dietary sugars, placing sealants on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, frequent cleaning of the mouth, and appropriate use of fluoride. If the decay is left untreated, it can infect the whole tooth including its pulp leading to the rest of the body producing serious facial infections leading to swelling, toxicity and sometimes death. Chronic dental infections can compromise the treatment of patients with comprehensive medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, renal issues, or cancer treatments.
Periodontal Disease
Teeth loosen from the inflammation processes of periodontal disease regardless of if the gums become bleedy and painful or not. This increases systemic inflammatory markers which, if left untreated, can complicate otherwise healthy pregnancies, diabetic treatment, cardiac surgery, and can be linked to other conditions such as Alzheimers Disease and Pancreatic Cancer. This can be prevented and managed with appropriate dental cleanings, antimicrobial strategies, and effective home care products and practices.
Facial Trauma Injuries
Sports injuries, such as concussions are examples of facial trauma injuries. Some studies show that custom fitted mouth guards can reduce concussions by significant percentages. Other sports injuries, such as tooth breakage and tooth loss can be prevented by the appropriate use of mouth guards, of course. Abuse and accidents are also causes for facial injuries so we are trained in domestic violence as well.
Preventive dental care is all the things you do (or should do) to take care of your teeth and gums: brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist regularly to help avoid dental disease. Click here to see exactly what the dental diseases and conditions are. They are explained in more detail.
Why is preventive dental care important?
When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, preventive dental care is smart. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from the surfaces and in between teeth, keeping your teeth looking and feeling clean. A healthy diet, one low in sugar and other refined carbohydrates, helps keep your whole body, including your teeth and gums, in good shape. And routine dental exams and regular cleanings may help prevent the incidence of higher-cost treatments such as periodontal surgery, root canals, extractions and fillings. After all, early detection and prevention are key to minimizing your need for more serious dental treatment. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve, and tooth loss. Infection from tooth disease can even spread to other parts of the body and in rare cases, can lead to death.
The American Dental Association say about routine dental care recommends the following steps for good dental health.
1. Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
2. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
3. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
4. Eat a balanced diet, and limit soft drinks and between-meal snacks.
5. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
(Information from Metlife Oral Health Library)
How often should I see my dentist?
There are no clear guidelines stating how often a person should see the dentist. Some studies suggest once a year, others say every three or six months. Depending on your current dental health, your dental history, your risk factors for dental disease, and your personal preference, we will recommend the frequency of visits that’s right for you.
Preventive dentistry, and dental exams are a necessary part of any preventive dentistry program. Because most dental problems are painless, if you’re not visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you may not be aware of your condition until it causes damage. And if you’re concerned about the cost, consider this: Preventive dentistry is less expensive than restorative dental treatments. Dr. Khandaqji will check for signs of malignancy during a dental exam. If needed, he will conduct an oral cancer exam. Patients who are well informed about the outcome of poor oral hygiene habits are more likely to see Dr. Khandaqji for preventive dentistry treatments.
