Keep Your Smile Looking and Feeling its Best With Dr. Lavi
Can’t remember the last time you visited the dentist? The best time to schedule an appointment is right now! Preventive dentistry with Dr. Sam Lavi, one of the top dentists in California, is an investment in your long-term oral health and overall well-being. By prioritizing preventive care, you can avoid the need for more complex and expensive dental procedures down the road.
Call us at (818) 980-8472 for our Studio City office or (213) 623-2212 for our Los Angeles office to learn more.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is focused on maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they arise. It encompasses a range of proactive measures to preserve the health of teeth, gums, and mouth tissues. Preventive dentistry emphasizes regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, patient education, and personalized oral hygiene practices to keep teeth and gums healthy.
By addressing potential issues early and implementing preventive dental treatment strategies, preventive dentistry helps individuals avoid more extensive dental treatments and promotes long-term oral wellness.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
Some benefits of routine dental visits include:
- Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dental check-ups enable dentists to detect dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, in their early stages when they are easier to treat.
- Prevention of Dental Problems: Preventive dentistry helps prevent common dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and bad breath, by addressing risk factors and implementing preventive measures.
- Improved Oral Health: By promoting good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care, preventive dentistry helps individuals achieve and maintain optimal oral health, leading to healthier teeth and gums.
- Cost Savings: Investing in preventive dentistry can save individuals money in the long run by reducing the need for costly dental treatments, such as fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions.
- Enhanced Overall Health: Research has shown that oral health is closely linked to overall health. Preventive dentistry can contribute to better overall health outcomes by reducing the risk of systemic conditions associated with poor oral health, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Our Preventive Dentistry Services
Dental Exams & Cleanings (Prophylaxis)
Dental checkups are typically performed every six months to help your dentist understand the state of your oral health. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from places normally missed during brushing and flossing. Dr. Lavi will perform a thorough examination to identify any potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. This preventive care helps maintain optimal oral health and prevent future problems.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your dental exam, Dr. Lavi will perform a quick and painless oral cancer screening. This includes a visual examination of your mouth, throat, and neck for abnormalities. Early detection is crucial for successful oral cancer treatment, and preventive screenings play a vital role in achieving this.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavities. This treatment is ideal for children and adults at high risk of cavities. Regular fluoride application is a valuable preventive measure to safeguard your smile.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They’re a barrier against plaque and food particles, preventing cavities in hard-to-reach areas. Dental sealants are particularly beneficial for preventive oral health care for children and adolescents.
Mouthguards
If you participate in sports or activities that carry a risk of mouth injuries, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a crucial preventive measure. Mouthguards absorb impact, protecting your teeth, jaw, and lips from potential damage.
At-Home Oral Health and Hygiene Tips
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is crucial for preventing dental problems and promoting oral health. Here are some tips for effective at-home and family oral health care:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, preferably after meals and before bedtime.
- Floss Daily: Clean between your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush may miss.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and fight bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Choose nutritious foods and limit sugary snacks and beverages, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help rinse away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco can improve your oral and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain good oral health, it’s essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, limit sugary foods and beverages, avoid tobacco products, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
While gum disease cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense, it can be effectively managed and controlled through proper oral hygiene practices, professional dental cleanings, and, in more severe cases, periodontal treatments such as scaling and root planing. Early detection and intervention of oral diseases are crucial to preventing gum disease from progressing.
Signs of oral cancer may include persistent mouth sores, pain or difficulty swallowing, a lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or throat, white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or mouth lining, numbness in the mouth or lips, and changes in voice quality. It’s best to seek prompt dental or medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive dentistry visits, including routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays, as part of their coverage. However, coverage for preventive services can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and provider. Check with your insurance company to understand your coverage for preventive care services.
