What is Preventative Dentistry?
As the name suggests, preventative dentistry is focused regular check-ups and treatments that prevent dental issues such as gum disease and cavities. By taking a preventative approach to your oral hygiene, you can minimise your risk of developing these issues in the first place, rather than having to deal with them once they’ve appeared.
From daily oral care to regular dental visits and professional cleaning, here’s how preventative dentistry can help keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible, both now and in the future.
What is involved in preventive dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the practice of routinely cleaning, examining and generally taking care of your teeth, with the aim of preventing poor oral health conditions from developing.
The steps involved in preventative dentistry cover a wide variety of techniques, ranging from the things you do at home - like twice-daily brushing and daily flossing - to attending your regular dental appointments and having potential issues diagnosed and treated as early as possible. The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep issues such as gum disease, cavities, tooth sensitivity, worn-down enamel, and other oral health issues at bay, so that you can go through life with the benefit of better dental health.
At its core, preventative dentistry is essentially the practice of routinely cleaning, examining, and taking care of your teeth in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, worn enamel, and more.
Who is preventative dentistry for?
Preventative dentistry is for anyone of any age. From childhood to your senior years, preventative dental care can spare you the pain and discomfort of oral health problems, while saving you time and money by avoiding the need for treatment.
Preventative dentistry in children can help to ensure their teeth and mouth develop correctly, while in adults, preventative methods such as regular cleaning and dental check-ups can help to detect early signs of oral diseases.
In addition, patients who are immunocompromised - particularly elderly patients - will benefit from regular dental visits to prevent oral health conditions from causing other health complications.
Why is preventative dentistry so important?
By taking preventative steps towards your oral health, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, periodontitis, and other common dental issues. The benefits of preventative dentistry go far beyond healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. By minimising your chance of developing these oral conditions, you’ll also reduce your risk of developing other health problems that are linked to poor dental health.
These can include:
● Cardiovascular disease
● Diabetes
● Stroke
Another benefit of preventative dentistry is the fact that it can save you time and money, as undergoing dental treatment to address serious oral health issues can be costly and time- consuming.
What does preventative dentistry involve?
Preventative dentistry covers a wide range of steps involved in preventing dental health issues.
In general, these steps will include:
● Daily brushing and flossing: It’s the most basic step in your oral hygiene routine, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help to keep oral health problems like gum disease and cavities at bay.
● Professional dental cleaning: A twice-yearly professional clean at your local dental practice is the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Your regular dental check-up includes a thorough professional clean.
● Comprehensive oral examinations: In your regular check-ups, your dentist will perform an oral examination of your teeth and mouth, in order to identify early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns that may require treatment.
● Diagnostic tests: If your dentist spots any potential oral health issues, the next step will be to perform diagnostic tests like x-rays to examine the problem in more detail and develop a treatment plan.
● Oral hygiene education: Your dentist will explain the most effective way to maintain good oral hygiene, so you can practice the right techniques for healthy teeth and gums. By teaching children about oral hygiene at an early age, they’ll be more likely to stick with these positive habits as they get older.
For more information and advice on how to prevent your risk of oral health conditions such as gum disease, chat to your dentist. To make an appointment at your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice, book online today.