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Preventative Dentistry

Cosmetic Family And General Dentist in Reading, MA

Preventative Dentistry

Protecting your smile against decay, gum disease, and tooth erosion is easier and more affordable than treating damage after the fact. At First Dental Associates in Reading, Massachusetts, Nasrin Sadeghi, DMD, Medha Singh, DMD, BDS, MS, and the team promote healthy, beautiful smiles through preventive treatments, like teeth cleanings and oral cancer screenings. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the benefits of preventive dentistry.

Preventative Dentistry Q & A

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry aims to ward off dental disease, decay, and other oral health concerns. The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep your teeth and gums healthy as you age rather than treating problems after they develop. At First Dental Associates, the team works directly with you to create an individualized care plan that addresses your unique needs. 


Why is preventive dentistry important?

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of all oral health care. Detecting dental concerns early can save you time, money, and discomfort on invasive and costly treatments. 

For example, brushing, flossing, following a healthy diet, and attending regular teeth cleanings can prevent cavities (tooth decay). Once decay develops, it creates a small hole in your tooth that grows over time and eats away at its natural structure. 

Early intervention with fillings can help preserve your tooth, but waiting too long may require more invasive treatment, like a dental crown or root canal therapy. Without responsive treatment, decay can even lead to tooth loss. 


What does preventive dentistry include?

First Dental Associates offers multiple preventive treatments, such as:

Teeth cleanings and dental exams

 

Teeth cleanings and dental exams aim to maintain your oral health. A teeth cleaning involves removing plaque (sticky bacteria) from your teeth and gums, while a dental exam evaluates your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues to check for abnormalities (gum disease, abnormal growths, tooth erosion, and more).

Oral cancer screenings

An oral cancer screening is a visual exam that checks for abnormal lesions, sores, and growths. If your dentist uncovers potentially cancerous tissue, they can take a biopsy for testing.

Fluoride varnish treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth. After your teeth cleaning, the team may apply fluoride varnish to protect your smile.

Dental sealants

Sealants are protective coatings that provide a barrier between your teeth and cavity-causing bacteria.

Nightguards

A nightguard fits over your top or bottom teeth to stop them from gnashing together. The team may recommend a nightguard if you have bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The practice also offers mouthguards for sports and snoring appliances for sleep apnea.

Call First Dental Associates or schedule your appointment online to learn more about the importance of preventive dentistry today.