Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley

Preventive Dentistry

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  We can design a plan just for you!

Preventive Dentistry is defined as that branch of the healing arts concerned with the teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and restoration of defective or missing tissue.  Preventive Dentistry is the work done by dentists, e.g., the creation of restorations, crowns, and bridges, and surgical procedures performed in and about the oral cavity.

We all have teeth – and we all want to keep them for life!  The purpose of Preventive Dentistry is to help each of us keep our teeth and gums healthy today and every day.

The field of dentistry has made great strides in preventing the incidence of dental disease.  One of the most successful efforts, spanning the last 65 years, is the fluoridation of community water supplies.  Although drinking optimally fluoridated water reduces dental decay by 15 to 40 percent that alone is still not enough to prevent dental disease.  Fluoride is still controversial with some people in spite of these statistics.  We respect every patient’s dental requests at Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.

The two primary causes of tooth loss, decay, and gum disease, are generally caused by bacteria in the mouth.  However, both of these problems can be dramatically minimized, if not prevented, through proper dental hygiene practiced on a regular daily basis.  Some of the elements of proper dental hygiene include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, limiting between meal snacks, and seeing your dentist twice a year for cleaning and exam.  Additional preventive methods include the application of dental sealants and exposure to fluoride in the form of fluoridated drinking water, systemic applications, toothpaste, mouthwash, or fluoride treatments (topical applications) directly applied by your dentist.

The vast majority of dental disease can be prevented, but only through the consistent practice of the prevention methods listed above.  Please read through this website to learn more about the anatomy of healthy teeth and gums, brushing and flossing techniques, water fluoridation, dental sealants, fluoride supplements, and the relationship between smoking and dental disease.

Q: What is preventive dentistry in children?

A: Preventive dentistry leads to a healthy smile, and preventive dental care for children includes:

• Proper nutrition and dietary habits
• Brushing and flossing
• Fluoride
• Regular dental check-ups
• Assessing risk for developing cavities
• Evaluating oral growth and development
• Oral health education
• Protection against injuries (mouth guards and helmets)
• Management of oral habits
• Guidance of erupting teeth
• Sealants

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley P.S. and Dr. James G. Hood practices preventive dentistry.  Preventive dentistry for children, in addition to regular dental visits, requires parental involvement with daily oral care at home.  We welcome children of all ages and welcome patients ages 2 to 102!

Q: Why is preventive dentistry important?

A: Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of general health.  Oral conditions can interfere with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities.  Severe decay can affect growth and development.  Children with dental pain may be unable to concentrate in school.  A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance.  Finally, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive, and less expensive, treatment for your child.

Q: When should preventive dentistry start?

A: Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth.  Daily cleaning of the teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts.  Visit your pediatric dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age to establish a dental care home base.  Early dental visits are the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.  The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile.

Q: What role do parents play in prevention?

A: After completing a thorough oral examination and assessing your child’s risk for developing cavities, your pediatric dentist will design a personalized preventive program of home care for your child.  This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling and, if necessary, fluoride recommendations.  By following these directions, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.  It is important that parents schedule their children’s dental appointments while they are young and before they have any dental problems.

Q: How do pediatric dentists help prevent dental problems?

A: Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are all part of your child’s decay prevention program.  However, there is much more.  For example, your pediatric dentist can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems.  Your pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to insure your child a happy, healthy smile.