The choice of a dentist for you and your family is an important one. You want a dental team who is knowledgeable and professional and genuinely cares about your oral health needs. However, you also want a dentist who takes the time to listen to you and works to form a long-term relationship with each member of your family.
At Northport Family Dental in Northport, NY, our goal is to do just that; we want to help you achieve optimal oral health through preventive dentistry practices that include regular checkups, dental cleanings, and patient education. Combining these practices can help you and your entire family have the best dental health with the fewest number of dental procedures.
What Is Preventive Dentistry in Northport?
Dentistry has three main branches: restorative, cosmetic, and preventive. Preventive dentistry is often considered to be the most important because if you can prevent dental issues before they begin, you can often avoid some or all the need for restorative and cosmetic dental work. Preventive dentistry focuses on proper oral health care at home and in your dentist’s office. Ideally, effective preventive dentistry begins when a child is six months old and continues for their entire life. A combination of factors contribute to good preventive care; these factors include the following:
- Regular dental checkups
- Regular dental cleanings
- Patient education
What Is a Regular Dental Checkup?
At least twice a year, your dentist should conduct a regular dental checkup to inquire about your general health and assess your teeth, gums, and mouth. During your dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will complete the following steps:
- Evaluate your mouth and look for tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental health issues
- Conduct an oral cancer screening
- Take x-rays to detect issues such as bone decay, cavities between your teeth, etc.
- Advise you on your brushing and flossing technique and discuss any problem areas
- Give you pointers and educate you on how to improve your oral health. This may include recommendations on lifestyle changes such as diet, tobacco use, and alcohol use.
- Discuss your options for cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry and help you create a treatment plan that you are comfortable with; your dentist may talk to you about a variety of the following procedures: teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, dental crowns, root canal therapy, dentures, and Invisalign clear aligners.
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
Once your dental team has completed your dental checkup, your hygienist will professionally clean your teeth. The steps for dental cleaning are as follows:
Plaque and tartar removal – Your hygienist will use a small mirror and a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around your gumline and between your teeth. Although regular brushing can help you avoid plaque on your teeth, once the plaque turns into tartar, only your dental professional can remove it.
Gritty toothpaste brushing – Next, your hygienist will use a special electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to scrub and polish your teeth. To avoid too much enamel erosion, deep cleaning from the electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste should only be used twice a year by a trained professional.
Flossing – Your hygienist will then floss your teeth to remove any debris from your dental cleaning and look for problem areas where you may not be flossing well enough at home. If your gums are bleeding in certain areas, they will advise you on the proper flossing technique.
Rinsing – The final step of the dental cleaning process is rinsing your mouth with fluoride to eliminate any particles left over from your cleaning and protect your teeth until your next visit.
What Role Do You Play in Preventive Dentistry?
Although your dentist plays a crucial role in your dental health, much of your preventive care is your responsibility. It would be best to prioritize brushing your teeth correctly at least twice a day, flossing your teeth, and using mouthwash each day.
Because sugar causes tooth decay, you can also do your best to avoid too much sugar in your food and drink. Decreasing your sugar intake is even more critical if you are prone to cavities.
Your dentist can instruct you on the best home treatment plan for your individual needs, but creating a dental routine at home and sticking to it will help you maintain your best oral health.
Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in Northport?
If you need a dentist for you and your family, consider Northport Family Dental. Our focus is meeting you where you are and helping you achieve optimal dental health. We can assess your dental situation and make recommendations for treatment based on your needs. Together, we can form a treatment plan to help you achieve your best smile. Please call (631) 754-1107 for an appointment today. We can’t wait to hear from you!