Dr. Patrick A. Palma
2011 All Rights Reserved Address: 620 Commercial Street Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938 Phone ( 740 ) 535 - 0600
Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is about prevention. How can one prevent problems or poor dental health from occurring? In today's world, there are so many choices out there for us to choose from, that will help us to prevent dental problems, in the same way that there are so many methods of preventative medicine that are available to us.
Below are just some of the ways that you can use to help prevent future dental problems;
Oral Hygiene
This has to be at the top of the list, and includes brushing and flossing. If a person properly brushes and flosses their teeth and gums on a regular daily basis, a least twice daily, you will eliminate most of the problems. By brushing and flossing you will keep the harmful plaque and bacteria to a minimum on the teeth, and thus prevent cavities, gum disease and such from ever starting.
Exams and Cleaning
It is also extremely important to have 'check ups' and cleanings at least twice a year. This way the dentist can make sure your oral health is at it's best and if there is any problems they can be taken care of while they are small problems. Do not fall into the 'well it didn't hurt' frame of mind. Small problems only get bigger and in dentistry, this can be very serious.
These include mouthwash and rinses, specialty brushes, electronic toothbrushes, water picks, and all of the other helpful products that we did not mention here. Mouthwash and fluoride rinses or pre-brushing rinses can help, but nothing is important as brushing as flossing. Specialty brushes including rubber tips, stimulators, and proxy brushes are useful in certain situations. Water picks help remove debris but do not remove the plaque that brushing does. Electronic toothbrushes, such as the Oral B Braun and our office "Rotadent" can also definitely help in certain circumstances.
If you are interested in any of these products, let us know.
Fluoride in toothpaste is excellent way to strengthen the teeth. Fluoride in drinking water is also. If your water has no fluoride in it, you may want to think about fluoride supplements especially for the children who are still in the ages of tooth development.
Athletic Mouthguards
Injuries to the teeth and mouth can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard. If you compete in sports or hobbies where an accident may occur, please wear a mouthguard. Every year we see so many fractured or lost teeth from children and adults that could have been prevented. Ask us about mouthguards, if you think you or someone you know could use one.
Prevention
Exams
----------------------------------------Cleanings
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X-rays
----------------------------------------Sealants
---------------------------------------Fluoride
--------------------------------------Mouthguards
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Procedures
Prevention
----------------------------------------Gum Disease
-----------------------------------------Restorations
----------------------------------------Child Dentistry
---------------------------------------Cosmetic Dentistry
---------------------------------------Dentures
----------------------------------------Denture Repairs
----------------------------------------Oral Surgery
----------------------------------------Orthodontics
---------------------------------------TMJ Pain
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Dr. Patrick A. Palma
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
( 740 ) 535 - 0600