Preventative Dental Care

Preventative Dental Care involves regular dental exams to help protect your oral health and general well-being. It also involves promoting optimal tooth and gum health through patient education of adopting good oral hygiene practices to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In having good oral hygiene, patients can avoid cavities, gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue), periodontal disease (gum disease), and enamel loss. 

Maintaining optimal oral health requires daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year for both adults, children, and adolescents to ensure teeth are clean, strong, and healthy.

Preventative Dental Care Promotes Good Oral Health

Good oral health is important, and proper, preventative dental care helps patients avoid or lessen the effects of developing dental problems in the future.  

Preventative Dentistry also helps educate patients on the importance of good oral health. Since the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, it is essential to maintain a clean mouth to benefit your overall health. Maintaining good oral health greatly reduces your risks of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and further reduces your risks of developing secondary health problems (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, cancer) due to poor oral health. 

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It is important to develop and maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy.  Here are some tips on caring for your teeth:

  • Brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Replace your toothbrush three to four times a year
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria from your mouth and help freshen your breath
  • Floss daily
  • Limit your sugar intake
  • Visit your dentist

Limit Sugar Intake

You should limit your sugar intake because sugar is harmful to your teeth. Cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. It is, therefore, important to eat a well-balanced diet and limit between-meal snacking for a healthy mouth.

Choose The Best Toothpaste

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that when selecting a toothpaste, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The seal gives you the assurance that you are choosing the best toothpaste for your dental needs, and that the toothpaste has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Preventative Dental Care

At Distinctive Dentistry, our comprehensive Preventative Dental Care includes a complete review of medical and dental history and regular dental exams for patients of all ages. These are an important part of preventative health care. 

Exams for Adults

During your visit, Dr. Klemann will discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, and the effect your medications or use of tobacco products may have on your oral health.  

If you have other concerns you would like to discuss such as the consequence of tooth loss; the benefits of crowns, fixed bridges, or dental implants this would be the ideal time to discuss these concerns.

During your exam, our dental hygienist will clean your teeth, identify any gum inflammation or bone loss, and evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health problems. She also checks your face, mouth, neck, and jaw for any abnormalities. Your exam may also include digital dental x-rays to get a clear view of the inner structures of the teeth, or another diagnostic procedure such as an oral cancer screening.

At the conclusion of your visit, Dr. Klemann will discuss all your options with you and help you come up with an oral health plan that suits your needs.

Exams for Children and Adolescents

During these exams, Dr. Klemann or our hygienist will likely discuss your child’s diet and oral hygiene habits. They’ll also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to make sure your child or adolescent is getting the most out of their at-home cleanings. Other topics for discussion might include preventing oral injuries and the health risks involved with tobacco, substance abuse, and oral piercings.

Preventative Dental Care at Distinctive Dentistry in Clackamas

Contact Distinctive Dentistry at (503) 698-4884 to schedule your family’s comprehensive Preventative Dental Care. For your convenience, you may also schedule an appointment online.

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