The Importance of Preventative Dental Care
As with any issues in life that we are trying to avoid, prevention is always key! Preventive dentistry is focused on maintaining your oral health. Taking care of your oral health should start at an early age and be continued throughout your entire life. It involves patient education, regular dental visits for proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as keeping your teeth and gums healthy daily at home. Daily oral habits to help maintain oral health include toothbrushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time and daily flossing to help remove damaging dental plaque. If not removed, dental plaque can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, enamel wear, tooth loss, and many other oral health issues. Consequently, this results in expensive and time-consuming dental procedures that could potentially be avoided.
You should visit your dentist at regular intervals determined by your dentist. They can help identify and treat any issues early before they progress. Your dental professionals will perform oral exams, oral cancer screenings, x-rays, and schedule you for a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are necessary to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. They will use special equipment to help remove hardened plaque, also known as tartar, that cannot be removed by regular toothbrushing. After a thorough clinical exam and cleaning, your dental professional may also refer you to other dental specialists. For instance, if your bite is misaligned, you may be referred to an orthodontist who will use braces or other orthodontic appliances to help correct your bite. In addition, your dental professional may recommend fluoride treatments to help lower your risk of developing tooth decay if you are more prone to cavities. For children, dental sealants may be recommended to protect their back teeth from developing cavities.
In addition to practicing healthy oral habits, eating a well-balanced diet is also key to keeping your teeth healthy. Limiting your sugar intake can help lower your risk of developing cavities. Be sure to also drink lots of water and limit consumption of acidic beverages like soda and energy drinks that can be damaging to your teeth.
Preventative dental care is important not only for the health of your teeth, but also for your overall health. When your oral health is not intact, this places the rest of your body at risk. Oral issues like gum disease have been linked to many systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and much more.
Preventative dentistry is beneficial for everyone. So, save time and money while also making your health a priority!
Written By: Heather Smith
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/preventative-dentistry#effects
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/how-preventive-dentistry-keeps-teeth-clean-at-any-age
