The Importance of Preventative Dental Care

Preventative care is essential to avoid life-threatening illnesses and stay healthy. Your teeth are no exception to this rule, which is why it’s so important to schedule annual checkups with your dentist.

A recent study reports that many adults don’t see the dentist as often as they should. This can lead to tooth loss, tooth decay, and other oral health problems, which can eventually result in pain, embarrassment, and difficulty eating and speaking–not to mention costly restorative treatments.

If you want your teeth to stay strong, healthy, and beautiful, read on! Below, we will go over how preventative dental care can keep you healthy and save you money.

But first, what is preventative dental care?

What Is Preventative Dental Care?

Preventative dental care is a way to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent problems from developing. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing the dentist for regular checkups.

The importance of preventative dental care cannot be overstated because by doing so, one will avoid paying much higher costs later in life. By visiting the dentist every six months, one should be able to monitor their oral health on a regular basis which helps avoid cavities or other problems that would require costly procedures, such as fillings or root canal therapy.

What happens when you disregard preventive dental care?

The problem with not making time for preventative care is that if tooth decay becomes too advanced, it could lead to more expensive treatments down the line. Thus, if you’re having trouble keeping up on dental visits, we recommend brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Now, if you have no dental insurance or can’t afford it, there are still ways to ensure your teeth receive the care they need. For example, some clinics offer free or discounted rates for people with low income or no insurance. There are also dental care practices you can follow at home.

5 Preventative Oral Care Tips

1. Brush your teeth regularly.

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to keep your mouth healthy.

Brushing removes plaque, the sticky film that coats our teeth and contains bacteria. Without brushing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can be removed only by a dental professional.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be careful not to use too much pressure or brush too quickly, as this may damage the enamel on your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and possibly cavities. An electric toothbrush is a great way to ensure your protecting your gums with gentle yet effective brushing.

Flossing is also crucial. It removes any food particles or other material caught between teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Floss daily and/or use an interdental cleaner recommended by your dentist.

2. See the dentist regularly.

In the business world, a common phrase is an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same can be said for dentistry. One visit to the dentist every six months is enough to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Dentists not only solve problems, but they also help prevent them. Some problems they can identify include the onset of dental decay and gum disease. They can also help prevent cavities with treatments like seals that protect teeth with deep crevices that are more suspectible to trapped food.

If oral health is important to you, then see your dentist regularly. They can spot the problems early before they become serious.

3. Get your teeth professionally cleaned.

Yes, we all know that brushing our teeth is important. But when it comes to dental care, there’s a lot more than just brushing and flossing to keep your teeth healthy.

Regular teeth cleanings are an important part of any preventative dental care routine. Good cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. These problems affect not only your oral health but also your overall health. For example, problems with your gums can lead to heart disease or a stroke.

A deep cleaning may be recommended at times. It is a dental procedure where the dentist scrapes all the tartar off the tooth and under the gum line using dental instruments called scalers and curettes. A scaled tooth may be worn down or chipped; in this case, it is smoothed down with a small round burr or filled with a filling material such as composite resin.

4. Eat well.

Did you know that what you eat impacts your oral health? A healthy and balanced diet is essential to ensure your teeth get the right amount of nutrients they need. And for your teeth, foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, are recommended.

Likewise, you have to limit the intake of foods rich in carbohydrates and sugar, like white bread.

5. See your dentist regularly.

The general recommendation is to see your dentist once every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. However, you may need to visit your dentist regularly if you already have dental issues.

If you are confident that your teeth are healthy, you may see your dentist once a year.

Don’t Ignore Your Teeth!

Preventative dental care helps reduce your chances of developing gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, and other oral health issues. It also reduces your risk of secondary diseases that are linked to poor oral health and other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Also, preventative dental care allows you to save money that would have been spent on fixing dental health problems. Mind you, even if some dental issues are covered by insurance, the cost can be a bit expensive. With preventative dental care, all these expenses can be reduced.

Here are some things to expect during a preventative dental care appointment:

• Professional dental cleaning
• A thorough discussion on oral hygiene and some oral care tips
• X-rays and other oral exams
• Fluoride treatment

If you need preventative dental services, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with dental professionals. They can create a stress-free and comfortable environment for you.