Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is not just about maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Your oral health isn’t the only thing at stake when considering preventive care. In addition to causing pain and reducing your ability to eat, talk, and smile normally, problems such as tooth decay and gum disease can affect your overall health.

Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications such as premature delivery and preeclampsia. Tooth damage or decay can lead to widespread infection, and it can also prevent you from eating a proper, balanced diet, which will negatively affect your entire body. Likewise, untreated TMJ disorder and bruxism can lead to pain in your jaw, head, neck, and shoulders as well as damage to your teeth.

To protect your oral and general health, you must obtain proper preventive dental care so that all of these problems can be treated promptly if and when they develop. The best way to detect problems early enough that they can be treated in a conservative manner is to see Drs. Melman, Ravett every six months for a checkup and dental cleaning.

How Preventive Dentistry Preserves Your Smile

Your six-month will consist of a meticulous examination of your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your dentist will ensure that problems such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer, among other conditions, are detected in their earliest stages, which increases your chances of a successful treatment result. During your exam, your dentist will also check your jaw joints, bite, and teeth for signs of TMJ disorder or bruxism so that necessary treatment can be administered before more damage occurs. Your appointment will also entail scrupulous professional teeth cleaning by a hygienist to help maintain optimal oral health.