Preventative Dentistry

Do you ever find yourself wondering what preventative dentistry is? Have you heard of it but are not sure how it works to keep your teeth and gums healthy? At Dr. Yeh and Associates, our dedicated dentists and dental hygienists work together to prevent cavities, TMJ disorder, and oral health issues before they start and manage conditions.

When was your last dental check-up?

As a rule of thumb, most should visit the dentist at least twice a year. Still, the CDC estimates that only 63% of adults visited the dentist in 2020, and 86.9% of children visited the dentist in 2019. So, if you haven’t seen the dentist in the last six months or are experiencing any dental health changes, we strongly suggest scheduling a dentist appointment as soon as possible.

Preventative Dentistry is the Cornerstone of Wellness

Keeping the teeth and gums healthy is not only a great way to keep your smile looking great, and preventative dentistry plays a vital role in maintaining oral and overall health. Some preventative dentistry measures that can lead to a healthier smile, freshen breath, and help you stay on top of your oral health include:

Are you interested in preventative dental services near Montclair, NJ?

If you’re looking for the best dentist near Verona, Bloomfield, or surrounding areas, look no further. Book your next dental appointment at Dr. Yeh and Associates by calling (973) 338-9595 or messaging us online.

Additionally, feel free to read through our frequently asked questions about preventative dentistry (and make sure to write down and bring your other questions to your next dental appointment at our Montclair, NJ, dental office):

1. How can I protect myself from oral cancer?

Oral cancer is devastating to oral and overall health, and early detection is imperative. Since we understand the importance of early detection and intervention, we take this concern seriously and perform oral cancer screenings annually for adults. Also, we teach patients to look for signs of oral cancer at home so that they can schedule emergency dental appointments if they notice oral cancer symptoms, such as lesions, patches, or discoloration on the soft tissue of the mouth and throat.

2. What are the benefits of dental cleaning?

Paired with a dental exam, dental cleaning is an effective way to remove plaque from the teeth. Plaque is a natural biofilm that forms on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can weaken enamel, inflame gums, and increase the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Also, most patients experience fresher breath and lighter teeth after a basic dental cleaning.

3. What are cavities?

Cavities are holes in the teeth when acid in the mouth erodes dental enamel. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth pain, infections, and the need for tooth extractions.

Thankfully, excellent dental care (including brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings) can prevent tooth decay.