Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry focuses on helping you preserve a healthy and happy smile. This is a strong area of focus for Jeanine Gourdine, DMD, of Smile Center of Knightsville in Summerville, South Carolina. If you’re ready to take a proactive stance on dental health, book a preventive dentistry visit online or over the phone to get started.

Why is preventive dentistry so important?

As with most health matters, prevention is the best course of action when it comes to your teeth and gum tissue. When you partner with an outstanding practice like Smile Center of Knightsville for care, you receive in-depth preventive dentistry services aligned with your unique set of needs. 

When tooth tissue becomes damaged or decayed, the structure of a tooth is compromised. This increases the risk of tooth loss, which is more than just an aesthetic issue. Missing teeth change the dynamics of your bite, causing adjacent teeth to shift out of position. 

This can place undue pressure on your remaining natural teeth, leading to a cascade of tooth loss. Missing teeth also make it more difficult to enjoy a wide range of healthy foods and can impact your nutrition. 

Gum disease is also a serious matter. Inflamed, infected gums can lead to tooth loss. Perhaps more importantly, gum disease can allow bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream, where it can cause widespread harm. 

What happens during preventive dentistry visits?

A comprehensive dental exam gives your dentist a chance to assess your teeth and gums for signs of damage or decay. Digital imaging might be part of your visit, although imaging is not needed during each exam. 

A professional teeth cleaning removes all traces of plaque and bacteria, including in the spaces between teeth and just beneath the gumline. You’ll love the way your teeth look and feel after your cleanings. 

Most adults and children benefit from coming in for preventive dentistry visits every six months. This schedule ensures your dentist can detect areas of concern before serious damage develops. 

When is the right time to bring my child in for preventive dentistry care?

You should bring your child in for an initial pediatric dental visit as soon as their first tiny tooth begins to emerge or no longer than around your baby’s first birthday. These early visits give your dentist a chance to assess how your little one’s teeth are erupting. 

You’ll also learn the best ways to clean your child’s teeth and gums. As your child grows older, their dentist begins focusing on teaching them how to take great care of their teeth, developing habits that can last a lifetime. 

If you’re ready to schedule a preventive dentistry visit, call Smile Center of Knightsville today. Online scheduling is also an option and is both fast and easy.