Preventive Therapy In Toledo & Sylvania

At Dental Health Associates we believe that the less dentistry you need the better. That is why our dental team is constantly looking for ways to prevent and lower your risk for dental disease. We know that regular visits to the dentist can reduce your risk of problems. We encourage regular check-ups as part of your dental hygiene program.

Our dental hygienists will ensure that not only is your visit with us the most thorough one you’ve ever had – but it will also be the most comfortable one, too. We treat all of our patients as guests in our home. We know you have a busy life and sometimes visits to the dentist can be delayed. We want what is best for you and we listen to what your needs are.

Some of the most modern technology you find in our office includes:

• Dental Sealants
• Diagnodent
• Intraoral Camera
• Digital X-Rays and Panorex
• Carifree Caries Prevention System
• Piezo Oral Biofilm Disruption System
• Digital BP
• Lasers
• The latest in rinses, toothpastes and antimicrobials and anti enzymatics to fight all forms of dental disease
• Access to the best natural oral care products (www.dentalherb.com)

Types of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry aims to maintain and improve your oral health. These services center around routine appointments for dental exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays. Oral exams are typically recommended every six months or twice a year, but some people may need to visit more often if they have crooked, overcrowded teeth prone to plaque and tartar. Other people may need dental exams less often if they have excellent oral health and dental hygiene habits.

Oral cancer screens are a part of these regular visits. They are especially important for people with risk factors, such as smoking, family history of cancer, HPV, history of sun exposure, or overconsumption of alcohol. Sports mouthguards also fall under the preventive dentistry umbrella because they work to avoid mouth and jaw injuries. 

A lot of preventive dentistry happens at home with good dental hygiene. Preventing cavities and gum disease starts with you. Brushing your teeth twice a day (or more often) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride is best. Our dentists can recommend the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs. You should floss once a day to clear away food debris before it turns into plaque, and mouthwash can help rinse out food particles after flossing. 

You can also avoid dental problems by avoiding acidic foods that harm tooth enamel and hard foods that may chip or damage teeth. Stay away from tobacco products that can lead to oral health issues (and cancer) and talk to our dentists about bruxism treatment if you grind your teeth at night. 

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dental care maintains oral health with regular dental exams and teeth cleanings and promotes good oral hygiene habits at home. Our dentists identify problem areas and instruct patients on caring for their teeth and gums during routine visits. Some adults are prone to brushing with too much pressure, which may damage the gum tissues, so our dental professionals may recommend an electric toothbrush or water flosser to help clean the teeth more efficiently with less pressure. 

Patients that schedule regular dental exams and practice good dental habits at home are less likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and other severe dental problems. These appointments catch problems early when they’re less costly and easier to treat. Our dentists check for issues with your mouth, jaw, and neck and can reduce oral issues caused by chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and eating disorders. Sometimes, our dentists may be the first medical professionals to point out signs of a more significant health concern, all thanks to preventative dental visits.

Preventive Dentistry for Children

Lifelong oral hygiene habits start in early childhood. Preventive dental care should begin as soon as a child gets their first tooth, which tends to happen when they are six months to a year old. Most dentists recommend bringing your child in for a short visit around the age of one to evaluate their teeth, discuss care, and get them comfortable in the dentistry office. These early visits can find problems before they progress and require extensive treatment. Our dentists can discuss best practices with parents, such as using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

Preventative dentistry for children often involves these steps:

• Dental habits at home, such as twice-daily brushing and flossing once daily
• Dentist guidance on thumb sucking and bottle and eating habits
• Regular teeth cleanings and oral exams starting when the first tooth erupts
• Fluoride application
• Dental sealants
• X-rays to follow jaw and tooth development
• An athletic mouthguard when children start playing sports

Early dental care and visits to the dentist can also identify other health issues that may contribute to a child’s tooth or jaw concern.

Dental Insurance and Preventative Dentistry Treatments

Your dental insurance likely covers all preventive care. However, insurance providers often limit the number of dental exams and cleanings to two per calendar year. When choosing your dental insurance plan, look into the coverage for diagnostic and preventive services. Adult fluoride treatments may not be covered, but dental insurance typically covers fluoride for children up to a specific age. Our office can help you understand the benefits included in your dental insurance plan.

Schedule a dental exam with one of our skilled dentists in Sylvania, Ohio. Contact Dental Health Associates at (419) 882-4510 or email us.