Preventative dental care helps maintain oral health and stop the development of future oral health problems. General dental treatments often fall under preventative dental care. Routine dental appointments are also key to preventative care, as we can thoroughly examine the smile and provide cleanings during regular dental visits. As your local dentist in Boise, ID, we want you to learn more about preventative dentistry and how it can keep your smile healthy.

Preventative Dentistry Q&A from Your Dentist in Boise, ID

When we offer preventative care to our patients, we help them keep their smiles healthy. At routine visits, we offer cleanings and examinations to ensure that patients are in good oral health and to look out for developing problems. Our general dental treatments also maintain the smile. Learn more about preventative care we offer with answers to these common questions below:

Why is fluoride important?

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel. We recommend that patients use fluoride toothpaste and will also provide fluoride treatment to patients after their dental cleaning. Fluoride helps remineralize the tooth enamel, especially if patients experience problems like tooth wear. Treatments and fluoride toothpaste can also prevent problems like cavities and tooth decay.

Can you remove wisdom teeth?

While not every patient will require a wisdom tooth removal, we recommend removing wisdom teeth, or the last permanent teeth, if patients experience pain. Wisdom teeth create pain when they do not have enough room to emerge. The wisdom teeth emerge behind the molars in the back of the mouth. Many patients may not have sufficient room for the wisdom teeth to grow properly, which means the wisdom teeth become impacted. Impacted teeth create pain and discomfort, even when patients aren’t biting or chewing. Removing impacted teeth can prevent further pain and difficulties, including the possibility of overcrowding.

How often should you visit the dentist?

Most patients should visit the dentist every six months or twice a year. At regular visits, we provide thorough dental cleanings and treatments. We will also take X-rays to keep track of the smile and any emerging dental problems. Regular dental visits help our team address dental issues early on and help you maintain a healthy smile.

What treatments prevent tooth decay and cavities?

Dental cleanings are some of our office’s best ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities or holes in the enamel created by harmful bacteria. We also offer fluoride treatments that we apply to the enamel after cleanings. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and helps keep the tooth structure intact. Our team will recommend dental sealants for children to prevent cavities on the back molars. Sealants are protective coverings we apply after cleanings. The molars can be difficult to clean, which is why we place sealants in the back of the mouth.

Do you need to make a dental appointment? Contact LIFESmiles for treatment today at (208) 254-6365. You may also schedule your next dental appointment online.