Preventive dentistry consists of a variety of dental treatments aimed at preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. The goal of preventive dentistry is to help you maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. The common preventive dentistry practices include the following:

• Exams and X-Rays

During your first appointment with us, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam that includes checking your teeth and gums for signs of decay or disease. We’ll also conduct an oral cancer screening and do a basic evaluation of the health of your gums. We may take X-rays during this visit as well. X-rays are an important part of our ability to detect hidden damage in your teeth and jawbone. These images allow us to see things that we simply couldn’t see with the naked eye.

• Teeth Cleanings

We offer professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and acids that accumulates in the mouth and causes tooth decay. 

• Fluoride Treatments

In addition to routine checkups and cleanings, our office also provides fluoride treatments for our young patients. These treatments are offered in-office and are applied directly to the teeth. The treatment only takes a couple of minutes and can provide your child with extra protection against cavities. In-office fluoride treatments are offered during your child’s regular checkup appointment. Our dental hygienists are happy to answer any questions you have about the treatment and its benefits.

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens and protects the tooth enamel by prohibiting demineralization of tooth enamel. It is important to make sure your child is receiving enough fluoride in their diet, and our practice offers topical fluoride to provide extra protection for young smiles.

• Mouth Guards

As an athlete, you may be at greater risk for experiencing sports-related oral injuries. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, more than two-thirds of American adults experience some type of tooth damage in their lifetimes. For this reason, we recommend that all athletes wear a mouthguard while participating in athletic activities. A mouth guard is a protective device that you wear in your mouth while playing sports to protect against serious injuries, including broken teeth, jaw trauma, and concussions. At our practice, we can create custom-fitted mouth guards that will protect your teeth from the damaging effects of contact sports and allow for comfortable breathing while you play! 

• Sealants

Dental sealants are another preventive service we offer to help prevent cavities from forming. We apply a thin layer of plastic to teeth that are more prone to cavities, such as molars and premolars. The sealant acts as a barrier to protect enamel against bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Although sealants help protect against decay, they still must be brushed twice a day with fluoride toothpaste in order to remove food and plaque accumulation that may compromise their effectiveness. We recommend visiting our dental office every three or six months to ensure there are no chips or cracks in sealants that are compromising their integrity.

At Midtown Dental, we provide tips and solutions that will improve your oral health while transforming smiles. Visit our office, Midtown Dental, at 750 George Washington Way, Richland, WA, Suite 1 99352. You can also reach us at (509) 946-1678.