PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

Preventive dentistry is caring for your teeth to keep them healthy rather than treating issues as they arise. Regular exams and cleanings at Rittenhouse Dental Group, will help ensure your teeth are healthy. Additionally, preventing tooth decay means avoiding sugary foods and drinks and refraining from smoking or using tobacco products. You should also floss every day to remove plaque from between teeth. Finally, those under 18 should get fluoride treatments regularly to strengthen their tooth enamel.

Dental Cleanings and Exams

A dental cleaning and exam can be scheduled every six months or as your dentist recommends. A trained dental hygienist will use professional-grade tools to remove plaque buildup from your teeth during a dental cleaning procedure. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth after eating foods with carbohydrates like sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars and produce acids that attack the enamel of your teeth and lead to decay and cavities if not addressed. After the hygienist has removed all the plaque from your teeth, they will polish them with a special paste that will help remove any remaining debris and smooth out the surface of each tooth. Having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year can go a long way toward preventing the development of gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and other common dental problems.

Dental Sealants

A sealant is a thin coating made of a plastic resin that is applied to the chewing surface of the molars to prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the pits and grooves of the tooth surface. The sealant acts as a barrier between the bacteria and food, preventing the formation of cavities. After application, the tooth’s surface is smoothed and polished to give the tooth a clean, finished look. This treatment process is quick and comfortable, requiring no anesthesia or drilling. Best of all, sealants can last for many years with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are beneficial because they can prevent decay before it happens. This is because it strengthens and protects existing tooth enamel making it difficult for bacteria to grow inside the mouth. Fluoride can even reverse early signs of decay and prevent further complications. Children can benefit from fluoride treatments because they are still growing and their teeth are still developing. Fluoride treatment can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease from happening in the first place.

By getting regular dental cleanings and exams along with fluoride treatment and dental sealants, you can help protect your smile and lower your risk for tooth loss due to tooth decay. For the best dental treatment, visit Rittenhouse Dental Group at 255 S. 17TH ST., STE. 2807, Philadelphia 19103, or call 215-546-2311.

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