Oral Health Care and Prevention

Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth and gums to keep them healthy rather than treating problems after they develop. At-home dental care is the foundation for dental care, and regular exams and cleanings at your dentist’s office are an important part of a preventive dental practice.

What Does Oral Health Care Entail?

Oral Hygiene

This means properly taking care of your teeth and gums — brushing and flossing every day. Professional cleanings and regular dental exams can also help ensure you maintain good oral health.

Your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouth rinse in addition to daily brushing. If you have specific dental concerns, your dental team may also recommend additional treatments or products for home use.

Dental Checkups

Your dental checkup is an important part of your oral health care routine. Your checkup gives your dentist a chance to perform a thorough oral examination. Through this examination, your dentist will be able to detect signs of developing dental diseases in their earliest stages.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are plastic coatings painted onto the surface of your back teeth. Most people have at least 6 of these teeth (the molars), so each tooth can have its own sealant. The sealants form a strong bond, creating a smooth surface that bacteria can’t stick to. They effectively prevent food particles from building up in your teeth, which causes cavities and other dental problems.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can help prevent cavities. They are a thin, plastic coating painted onto the surface of the teeth. Sealants create a barrier, like a shield, to prevent bacteria from reaching the tooth enamel.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are applied to the teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride treatments can be administered in the office, or patients can apply fluoride treatments at home. Fluoride treatments can be in the form of a rinse, gel, or varnish.

Dental Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are one of the most helpful technologies in dentistry. Digital X-rays can be enlarged for the dentist to see specific areas of your mouth. This helps the dentist pinpoint cavities and other problems, such as abscesses, jaw fractures, and tumors.

Dental Cleanings

ADA recommends that his patients schedule professional teeth cleanings at least twice a year. Regular cleanings cannot be replaced by at-home brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings remove hard plaque that cannot be eliminated at home. Calculus, or hardened plaque, is more difficult to remove.

To learn more about the procedures offered at Short & Vlosich Family Dental, call us at (806) 374-8011 or visit our dental office located at 3503 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79119.