As the saying goes, prevention is better than any cure, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to your teeth. Preventive dentistry offers exactly that.
It is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy and well, to prevent problems that may arise in the future.
So, let’s look at the benefits of preventive dentistry and why it is critical to dental health.
What does preventive dentistry involve?
At it’s most basic preventive dentistry is all about stopping problems before they occur, and in many ways it’s a joint responsibility shared between a dentist and a patient.
The patient is responsible for good dental hygiene, including brushing twice daily, flossing once daily and maintaining a healthy diet, while the dentist offers regular checkups to ensure no major problems are developing.
This shared commitment to dental wellbeing can help mitigate a host of dental issues that can become quite serious if left unchecked.
What does preventive dentistry do?
Preventive dentistry helps stop a range of dental problems that people may experience over the course of their life.
These include:
- Cavities
- Decay
- Tooth loss
- Gingivitis (gum disease)
- Enamel loss
How do you play a role?
As we mentioned, preventive dentistry is a shared responsibility between a patient and their dentist. As part of a commitment to preventive dentistry, everyone should:
- Brush their teeth for at least two minutes twice daily, using the proper technique
- Floss at least once daily, to clear food debris and stop the build-up of plaque between teeth
- Visit their dentist for a checkup and clean once a year
How dentists approach preventive dentistry
Preventing problems before they require treatment is one of the key roles of a dentist. That’s why they will take the time to educate you about proper dental hygiene and potential issues you may have.
It’s also one of the reasons that it is recommended children start seeing a dentist at about the age of one – this allows a dentist to instill good dental habits that will set them up for a lifetime of better health.
Of course, a dentist’s role also extends far beyond preventive dentistry to fix minor problems that may have arisen before they become major issues. These fall under general dentistry services and encompasses things like fillings and root canals for cavities, enamel restoration, teeth whitening and bridges and crowns.
In many ways specialties like orthodontics also have a basis in preventive dentistry – it involves repositioning the teeth and bite to make teeth cleaning easier and to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the teeth.
Who benefits from preventive dentistry?
In short, everyone benefits from preventive dentistry. Good dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist prevent more extensive dental work in the future. It helps identify potential issues and address them while also keeping your teeth and gums healthy, strong, clean and in tip top condition.
In the long run this can have major benefits for your overall wellbeing and general health.
About Brite Dental
Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.
Offering a full range of dental services, ranging from children’s dentistry through to orthodontics and high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.
You can learn more about our dental services, or contact us to book your next appointment.
