Getting to know preventive dental care

Of course, you likely know that brushing and flossing is essential. However, you may have fallen into bad habits and are not cleaning your teeth as well as you should be. Fortunately, our team in New York City has the knowledge and experience to advise on techniques and products that can help you remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque more effectively. Even if you are brushing and flossing consistently and well, oral hygiene at home is no substitute for professional dentistry services. These services are generally two-pronged:

• Dental checkups
• Dental sealants, fluoride therapy, and other preventive services

Checkups are scheduled according to the patient’s needs, ranging from twice a year to four times based on periodontal health/gum health. More checkups may be necessary if you have risk factors for oral disease, such as smoking or chewing tobacco. During your visit, Dr. Nazia Ahmed will examine your teeth, gums, and other areas of your mouth, face, and jaws. X-rays and other diagnostic technologies may be used to see what cannot be detected with the unaided eye. From there, Dr. Ahmed can develop a plan that effectively treats the diagnosed condition. When detected early into the disease process, before damage has occurred, modifications to your hygiene may be all that it takes to restore your healthy mouth and resolve discomfort or sensitivity. When you neglect problems or skip regular dentist visits, diseases can progress. More extensive damage to the teeth and gums demands more aggressive treatments, which adds to the time spent at the dentist’s office and the costs.

Of course, no checkup is complete without screening for conditions like oral cancers. Our hygienists also use their skills to remove surface stains and stubborn plaque or tartar, a substance that contributes to damaging tooth decay and cannot be removed with standard cleaning tools (like toothbrushes and floss). As needed, we can also discuss or apply “helpers” in the form of sealants, fluoride supplements, oral appliances, and more to protect your teeth and health.