Several researches conducted all over the world have acknowledged the importance of drinking enough quantity of water, adequate rest and regular exercise, consumption of a balanced diet, and routine health checkups to live a healthy life. Besides all these, taking proper care of the mouth is also a vital step everyone should follow to live a disease-free, healthier life.

In order to keep one's mouth healthy and free from any diseases, the most important step is regular preventative care.

Preventative dental care includes regular brushing and flossing at home along with regular oral exams, dental cleanings, X-rays, sealants, and fluoride application. All these steps are considered preventive as they help to identify and prevent dental issues in their initial stages or even before they arise.

Preventative dentistry

Preventative dentistry is one of the important areas of dentistry that specializes in measures to prevent dental issues in the future. At Shepherd Dental PC, we believe that preventative dental care is vital for having a healthy set of teeth and an aesthetic smile, and hence put prevention above everything else.

The preventative dentistry services we offer at Shepherd Dental PC include the following:

Dental checkups and cleanings:

When you visit Shepherd Dental PC for your routine dental checkups, we do a careful, thorough examination of your teeth and mouth so as to identify dental issues like tooth decay, cavity, gum disease, etc., in their beginning stages to prevent them from becoming severe. Identifying and treating dental problems in their initial stages can prevent them from worsening, thus avoiding costly dental procedures in the future.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that supports fight against the harmful bacteria present in the mouth. Besides, fluoride is known to strengthen the tooth enamel. However, as we age, our teeth start losing the minerals. At Shepherd Dental PC, we apply fluoride on our patient's teeth as a part of preventative dentistry to help rejuvenate the lost minerals and make the teeth strong, thus protecting the teeth against plaque and cavity formation.

Dental Sealants

For those who have more risk of development of cavities, we apply dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of their back teeth. Since these molars are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing, food debris can get trapped in the natural ridges of these teeth, leading to plaque and tartar formation, eventually causing tooth decay. By applying dental sealants on the back molars to cover these ridges, it is possible to prevent the teeth from contact with food, thus preventing tooth decay.

Periodontal Care

Periodontal disease or gum tissues can cause tooth loss if not identified and treated on time. Dental examinations can help identify the condition at the earliest and treat them. However, if the gum disease has advanced, scaling and root planing may be needed to treat the condition.

Oral Cancer Screening

During your regular examinations at Shepherd Dental PC, we check for the symptoms of oral cancer and recommend suitable treatment if the condition is detected.

Night guards

For those with bruxism or unconscious teeth grinding, we may suggest a custom-made night guard to protect their teeth from grinding and the resulting tooth erosion.

As per the American Dental Association, it is important to visit your dentist for regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning at least every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

Call Shepherd Dental PC at (210) 820-0400 or visit us at 235 E Hildebrand Ave #100 San Antonio, TX 78212 for more details about preventative dentistry.