Preventive Dentistry in Union City, NJ

It can be easy to avoid seeing your dentist when you’re not experiencing any pain or other oral health issues, but the truth is that the best way to take care of your teeth and gums is by seeing your dentist before any issues arise. A routine oral exam and teeth cleaning can prevent issues like cavities and gum disease or catch them early enough that treatment is fast and simple. That’s why Diana Rodriguez, DMD, recommends you schedule one about once every six months. Exams are relatively quick and easy, and they are much more pleasant than other treatments that may become necessary when you forgo regular preventive dentistry.  

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is any measure you take to care for your oral health to prevent complications. That means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and being mindful of how your diet may be affecting your teeth and gums, but it also means visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. 

Although maintaining a great oral hygiene routine at home can go a long way toward preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, you still leave yourself more open to these complications if you’re not receiving regular oral exams and teeth cleanings as well.

It’s important to see your dentist regularly throughout your lifetime, but it becomes even more critical the older you get. Pretty much every oral health issue becomes more prevalent with age, but gum disease is perhaps the most prevalent, with nearly 50% of all adults who are at least 30 having some form of it.  

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

Dental checkups are the best way to prevent or detect issues like periodontitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, and more — and they’re really not too complicated. When you visit Diana Rodriguez, DMD, for your next checkup, you can expect the following:

Discussing Your Medical History

Your dentist will first have a conversation with you about any medical conditions, treatments you have received, and medications you’re on, and they’ll also ask you about the state of your oral health. 

If you’ve had any past issues or you’re experiencing any current ones, telling them will help to give them an idea of what to look for during your oral exam.

Oral Exam

Your untrained eye can only do so much by checking on your teeth and gums in the mirror at home. Giving your dentist an opportunity to closely examine the state of your oral health can reveal a lot that you may never have noticed yourself, including:

• Warning signs of cavities
• Indications of gum disease
• Signs of oral cancer
• Signs of diabetes

Sometimes, X-rays are taken during an oral exam in order to identify any issues beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. X-rays can be crucial in preventive dentistry as they’re able to spot things well before your dentist can with their naked eye.

Teeth Cleaning

The next phase of your dental checkup is a professional deep cleaning of your teeth. Your dentist is able to use special tools and techniques to access areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss never could. 

This can be critical in preventing gum disease, as the plaque and tartar that develop in those deeper areas of the mouth are what lead to an infection of the gums if they’re allowed to linger too long.

The Benefits of Preventative Dentistry

It may seem inconvenient to have to visit the dentist twice a year even when you’re not experiencing any clear issues with your oral health, but the truth is that preventive dentistry is a whole lot more convenient than a number of other dental procedures you may require if you avoid those regular checkups. 

Here are some of the major reasons to schedule that dental appointment today:

It Can Help You Avoid Painful Oral Health Issues

Tooth pain can be debilitating, and there isn’t always an overnight fix for it. You may need a procedure that requires more discomfort before you can start feeling like your old self again. Preventive dentistry can catch these issues before you start feeling debilitating pain or require any uncomfortable procedures.

You Can Treat Issues Early On

Sometimes, you’ll leave your dental appointment with a perfect bill of health so you can comfortably carry on with your life. Other times, your dentist may spot something that needs to be attended to. 

When that happens, the required treatment is more often than not something fast and simple, especially when compared to the kind of treatments you may need should you ignore the issue.

You’ll Feel Better About Your Oral Health

Sometimes, it’s not even discomfort that can affect your quality of life when it comes to your oral health. It can also just be the constant worry you may feel, knowing that something may be wrong with your teeth or gums. 

Instead of sitting home catastrophizing, you can visit Diana Rodriguez, DMD, and with a simple oral exam, you can walk out the door with a sense of comfort and confidence regarding your oral health.

You’ll Feel More Confident in Yourself

The connection between self-confidence and a healthy smile is undeniable. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, you may not realize how much your oral health may be affecting your self-esteem. 

When you finally walk out of your appointment with freshly cleaned and polished teeth and the knowledge that your oral health is in good shape, you’re likely to feel a lot more confident in yourself.

You Can Ask Questions and Learn About Oral Care

If you’re wondering how best to care for your teeth and gums, there’s no better person to talk to than a dental professional, and there’s no better way to get answers than in a one-on-one in-person setting. Your dentist can teach you about oral hygiene and help ensure that you’re doing your part when it comes to preventive dentistry.

It Can Save You Money

Preventive dentistry is not free, but it can be far less expensive than other procedures you may need if you avoid going in for checkups for too long. Things like root canals, crowns, dental implants, and even simple fillings and bonding can wind up costing you a ton more money than those routine exams and cleanings. 

Consider your preventive dentistry appointments an investment in the future of your oral health.

What If I Have Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a very common issue, and some have it more severely than others, with the anxiety becoming so significant in certain instances that the sufferer will avoid going to the dentist altogether. 

If you suffer from any degree of dental anxiety, you should know that it’s crucial for you to address it so that you can get the care you need because avoiding the dentist can result in the need for far more significant (and uncomfortable) procedures down the road. 

We recommend that you open up to us about your trepidation regarding dental visits so that we can help you through the process at your speed. Diana Rodriguez, DMD, prioritizes making her patients feel safe and comfortable and like their anxieties are understood and acknowledged.

Schedule Your Free Preventative Dentistry Consultation Today!