Choosing to care for your teeth before you see any major oral health problems is where preventative dentistry comes in. Preventative dental care is imperative to keeping a healthy smile as long as possible. There is no need to wait until you begin to notice poor oral health or tooth decay before choosing preventative care.
Preventative dental care doesn’t start and end at the dentist. The methods you use to take care of your teeth and gums at home will make the most significant difference in your oral health. Practising good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease and dental decay before it begins.
Make sure to:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride-based toothpaste twice a day
- Floss to remove plaque and food particles
- Eliminate the use of tobacco
- Reduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks to help reduce the risk of tooth decay
- Chew sugar-free gum between meals to increase saliva and reduce the risk of dental caries
Using these preventative dentistry measures can help to prevent dental problems before they begin and maintain good oral health.
5 Reasons Preventative Dental Care Is Important
It might seem easy to wait for dental issues to occur before taking oral health care seriously, but here are some reasons to take proper dental care and preventative dentistry seriously.
Dental Exams Can Detect Early Signs of Dental Problems
Getting regular check ups and cleans can help protect your overall oral health by diagnosing dental health problems early before they become serious. For example, if you catch gingivitis early on, it can be treated before it evolves into a more extreme form of gum disease known as periodontal disease.
Some health conditions may impact the health of your teeth, jaw or gums such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and eating disorders. Although some people may find it daunting to go to the dentist, remember that they are only there to help, and by visiting the dentist regularly now, you may be able to avoid larger treatments later on.
Your dentist will also screen for early signs of oral cancer so you can start treatment early and have the best possible outcome.
Being Aware of the Health of Your Teeth and Gums
The health of your teeth and gums can be very important for your overall health. Having a dentist monitor your oral health can help to keep your mouth and teeth as healthy as possible. Your dentist may be able to pinpoint potential concerns that you might not be able to pick up on yourself. For example, your dentist may notice early signs of mouth cancer or gum disease.
Obtain Advice on the Best Oral Hygiene Practices
Everyone is different and will have different oral health needs and concerns. Your dentist will give you the most appropriate advice for your particular situation regarding preventative dental care.
For example, your dentist may recommend using a different toothpaste for sensitive teeth, using interdental brushes, or using a night splint if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
Don’t wait until you have a serious problem to take care of your oral health. Preventative dental care is incredibly important for the longevity of your teeth and gums.
Improves Oral and Overall Health
Oral health is an essential element of your physical well-being. Your oral health isn’t separate from your overall health. By taking care to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you can prevent harmful bacteria from making a home in your body.
Some physical health issues that you may not realise can be traced to poor oral health are:
- Cardiovascular disease: Research shows that complications from heart disease such as clogged arteries may be caused by oral bacteria. Oral bacteria can cause inflammation and even infection in the gums, causing stress on the body.
- Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with periodontitis are more likely to have a premature birth and give birth to babies with low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: When harmful bacteria from the mouth reach the airway and lungs, they can cause severe respiratory issues, including pneumonia.
Preventative dentistry, including regular dental cleanings, can help reduce these risks.
Prevents Decay and Cavities
Cavities can go unnoticed until there is a severe dental problem such as tooth pain or even dental caries. Using dental preventative care services such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and regular cleanings can help avoid many potential dental issues.
Visiting the dentist and having good oral hygiene habits at home as a child is essential to help set children on the best dental path possible. Children should start attending regular visits to the dentist early in life. According to the Australian Dental Association, baby teeth are at risk of developing tooth decay and tooth brushing as well as tooth friendly foods and drinks are important to help reduce a child’s risk of tooth decay. . Before a child reaches a year of age, make sure to schedule a dental appointment.
Regular dental checkups and preventative dentistry can lower your risk for cavities, decay, and tooth loss and can help decrease the potential need for dentures or dental implants. A fluoride treatment now may help prevent the need for a filling which may then lead to not needing a crown, or even a root canal later down the line.
Related: Check up & Clean | Beaches Dental
Related: Oral Health for Kids | Beaches Dental
Summary Dental Fillings in Mona Vale, Northern Beaches
Preventative care starts with you. Make sure to brush your teeth, use floss, schedule regular check up and cleans, chew sugar-free chewing gum and limit sugary foods and beverages to help prevent tooth decay. Routine dental checkups can help detect gum disease early to prevent significant problems such as periodontal disease, and regular oral cancer screening can provide peace of mind. Early intervention is the key to avoiding larger treatments down the line.
Remember that your dental team is on your side, and don’t be afraid to voice your concerns about your oral health. Even if you have poor oral hygiene now, it’s never too late to start to practice good oral health habits and maintain healthy teeth. Schedule a visit today to reach and maintain optimal oral health!
