What Is Preventative General Dentistry?

Preventative care makes up the bulk of general dentistry services. While general dentists also provide restorative dentistry services, they primarily focus on preventative dentistry to best serve their patients.

 Preventative dentistry is anything that a dentist can do to protect a patient's teeth and gums. The idea is to avoid potential future procedures (such as root canals and fillings) through check-ups and other basic services. 

Regular Check-Ups and Exams

All general dentists encourage and perform regular dental check-ups and exams for their patients. Most patients are advised to visit their dentist for dental exams at least twice per year, though this may vary depending on the condition of their teeth and gums. 

During regular check-ups, a dentist will examine the patient's mouth and ask about any potential oral health concerns that the patient may have. They may ask about things like:

• Pain
• Temperature sensitivity
• Discoloration
• Cracks and chips
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding gums

If a patient does have a specific concern, the dentist will address them. They may offer advice for at-home care or recommend treatment. General dentists can also diagnose common dental problems (such as gum disease or cavities) during the exam.

Professional Cleaning and Hygiene Help

Professional cleaning is a crucial part of general dentistry! While everyone should be brushing their teeth at least twice per day (and flossing at least once), there's no substitute for an occasional professional cleaning session.

During a professional cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar that are difficult (if not impossible) to remove with a toothbrush and floss. They will finish the session with a fluoride paste to help protect the patient's teeth. 

Before the cleaning takes place, the dentist or hygienist may measure the patient's gums to see if there are any signs of gum disease or inflammation as a result of poor cleaning habits. 

During these sessions, hygienists or dentists will also talk to the patient about their own hygiene habits and give them advice. They may prescribe special toothpaste for the patient to use at home. 

Pediatric Dental Care

Most general dentists are capable of pediatric dental care as well. Pediatric dentistry is dentistry for children. 

Children have unique dental needs. You should start bringing your child to the dentist by the time their first tooth fully comes through their gums. This will set them up for a future of good oral health and hygiene. 

When you visit a general dentist for pediatric dental care, your child can continue seeing the same dentist through adulthood. This may make them feel more comfortable and less likely to experience dental anxiety in the future.

A good dentist who has experience with young patients will be able to explain complex dental topics in simple ways. They'll have a great bedside manner to keep the patient as comfortable as possible during the appointment.

Cancer Screenings

Did you know that a general dentist can screen you for oral cancer?

If you're a patient who has multiple risk factors for oral cancer, it's even more important for you to visit your general dentist at least twice per year. Oral cancer can be difficult to spot in its early stages.

Dentists are unable to treat oral cancer, but they can catch it and refer you to medical professionals for help. 

Without early detection and treatment, oral cancer can be life-threatening. If you catch it right away, it's very treatable and you can make a full recovery.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up in the morning with a dry mouth and an itchy throat? Do other people in your household complain about your loud snoring? A dentist can help with that too!

Loud snoring can be the result of several conditions, but most notably, sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing every so often throughout the night.

Not only can it lead to snoring, but it can also lead to other more serious health problems when left untreated. Talk to your general dentist about sleep apnea so you can start getting treatment.

Referrals for Restorative or Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

When a general dentist finds a problem, they can offer you suggestions for how to fix it. General dentists often also do restorative dentistry, and some of them even offer cosmetic procedures for their patients. 

If a dentist notices that you have significant tooth decay, they'll talk to you about the possibility of getting a filling or a root canal. They can schedule the procedure for you, talk to you about preparation, and give you an aftercare guide.

If you decide that you want cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or implants, they can help with that as well. They can offer you recommendations based on your dental health needs.

Is It Time to Visit Your General Dentist in Fort Mill, SC?

General dentists are essential when it comes to taking care of your oral health. Visit your dentist twice per year for your general dentistry needs and your teeth and gums will stay healthy and clean. 

If you're ready to visit a general dentist in Fort Mill, SC, we want to meet you! Contact us at Core Dentistry to set up an appointment today.