No one wants to experience the negative side effects of poor oral health, like tooth pain, sensitivity, or even tooth decay, which makes regular dental checkups and good hygiene a key part of any New Yorker’s routine. And although it may not seem like much at the moment, a few minutes per day spent taking care of your teeth can have many benefits in the long run beyond simply avoiding adverse issues.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is a system of dental care that aims to keep patients’ mouths healthy through routine maintenance. It involves both professional dental treatments as well as individual, at-home care. With good preventative dental habits, people can avoid costly procedures to fight infection or disease, while keeping their smile beautiful and their teeth white.
At-Home Preventative Dental Care
The foundation of preventative dentistry is what you do at home every day to clean and protect your mouth. Brushing for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a critical way to kill harmful bacteria and protect your tooth enamel. In addition, flossing is just as important to reach the tight gaps between teeth that a brush can’t reach.
At your next checkup, ask Dr. Inna Chern or her staff for a demonstration of the best flossing and brushing technique. If you’re flossing or brushing wrong, your at-home preventative care may not be as effective as it can be, increasing your risk for complications like cavities and gum disease.
You can build on this basic dental routine by using a mouthwash with fluoride to further fight bacteria in all corners of your mouth, or buying a good electric toothbrush to help more effectively clean teeth.
What Preventative Dentistry treatments are offered at NYGD?
The second half of preventative care is getting a regular checkup from a dentist. Every six months, you should have your mouth examined by a professional to check for cancer, infections, jaw issues and cavities to create a treatment plan accordingly.
Perhaps the most important aspect of regular checkups is that brushing and flossing alone can’t get rid of all the harmful bacteria that build up in hard-to-reach places or along the gum line. At New York General Dentistry, we provide routine cleanings that go beyond what you can achieve at home, even with the best toothbrush and flossing technique. We can also offer preventative treatments like sealants and medical-grade fluoride rinses when needed.
What is Restorative Dentistry?
When preventative care isn’t enough to fight complications like cavities or infection, you’ll need restorative dental care. Restorative dentistry is any procedure that aims to repair teeth and restore ideal function. Common restorative procedures are fillings, inlays/onlays, veneers, and crowns.
What Restorative Dentistry treatments are available at NYGD?
New York General Dentistry is ready to handle any and all restorative needs, from filling cavities to more severe dental trauma. Most cavities can be filled with a composite material, but others may need an inlay/onlay or a crown to restore the tooth to a working state. More serious restorative procedures include root canals and oral surgery, for which we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Schedule Your Next Appointment Today
A good preventative care routine means you’ll ultimately spend less time in the dentist’s chair, more time smiling, and less time in pain. And an essential part of good oral hygiene is having regular cleanings and checkups at New York General Dentistry. Even if it’s been a while since you’ve seen Dr. Chern, there’s no time to wait when it comes to dental health. Call us at (212) 838-0842 or schedule an appointment online today!
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
