Preventative dental care is incredibly important for reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, and much more. For this reason, regular dental visits with a general dentist are recommended. If you would like to know more, check out these preventative dental services to consider.

General Cleaning

During a general cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist removes all plaque and tartar on the tooth's crown. They also scrape along the gumline. They typically polish the teeth to leave them feeling smooth and clean. Finally, the dentist or dental hygienist flosses between teeth. If your gums bleed during a general cleaning, it's a good indicator that you don't floss regularly.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning is recommended for people with gum disease, lots of tartar, etc. During a deep cleaning, the dentist doesn't only clean the tooth's crown. They clean below the gumline and inside pockets to remove stubborn debris. The dentist then smooths the tooth root, making it harder for debris and bacteria to cling.

Examination

A general examination is commonly done in conjunction with general cleanings. Naturally, the dentist looks for cavities, but they also look for signs of:

• Weakening enamel
• Gum recession/pockets
• Gum disease
• Tooth infections
• Oral cancers

They also look for signs of complications with permanent teeth, such as impacted teeth or teeth that can't fully erupt.

Depending on your oral health and age, the dentist may also recommend measuring the pockets to determine the size. If a pocket is too large, it increases the risk of decay and gum disease. Pockets may also be a sign that gum disease is already present.

X-Rays

You don't need X-rays as often as general cleanings, but your dentist will perform general X-rays to keep up to date with your oral health. These X-rays make it easy to monitor and spot complications, especially issues inside the tooth crown or below the gumline. If you visit the dentist because of pain, they may also take X-rays to determine the source of the pain.

Fluoride

Fluoride treatments are often necessary for kids who may not have access to fluoridated drinking water or have a deficiency. However, they can also benefit adults. With kids, the fluoride helps promote strong enamel growth. As an adult, you can't grow new enamel, but you can strengthen existing enamel with routine fluoride treatments. In some cases, your dentist may even recommend a special fluoride toothpaste.

Preventative dental care can save you a lot of pain and money. If you have not visited the dentist in a while, it may be time to make an appointment. If you would like to know more, contact a general dentist in your area today.