Preventative dentistry is a branch of the profession which is aimed at the prevention of tooth decay, oral disease, tooth damage and the proper function of mastication which is the process of chewing. Preventative dentistry is accomplished through excellent oral hygiene as well as maintenance practices and it has three levels; primary, secondary and tertiary.
Common examples of primary preventative practices are brushing, flossing and the use of medicinal mouthwash and other dental rinses. Brushing the teeth is by far the most common preventative practice; it is something that has been done for centuries by every culture. There are areas of the world which are still primitive but the people still brush their teeth although the brush is nothing more than the end of a green twig which has been frayed. The practice of brushing and flossing is extremely important as the practice removes debris, reduces harmful levels of bacteria in the mouth and reduces the build-up of harmful plaque on the teeth.
There are other primary preventative practices used in San Jose dentistry which are practiced by the municipal water utility and that is fluoridation. Fluoridation occurs when trace amounts of fluorine are added directly to the municipal water supply. It has been proven in many tests and studies that have been conducted by the AMA, American Dental Association that water that has been treated with fluorine reduces the incidence of tooth decay by a whopping 40 percent; the practice is common in most municipalities in the US.
Key elements in any san jose dentistry program are regular dental examinations and tooth cleaning. It is important to visit a dentist on a regular basis to have a cleaning and an examination which will allow the dentist to catch a potential problem while it is still manageable. When a dentist cleans your teeth he or she will remove any evidence of plaque that remains on the teeth even though regular brushing is maintained. It is plaque which can cause tooth decay as well as gum disease as plaque is a build-up of bacteria and microbes which can lead to tooth loss if not removed periodically.
Secondary preventative dentistry includes procedures as fillings, tooth restoration, caps, crowns, root canals and the removal of impacted teeth. These procedures are all aimed at the prevention of further damage and problems including disease and infection. Tertiary procedures include the repair of broken dentures and bridges.
California Shine Dental is a San Jose dentistry practice that serves the Bay Area. The practice offers regular dental services, cosmetic dentistry, bridges, dentures, etc. You are invited to call for an appointment; the practice is open seven days a week.
