What are the Benefits of Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the foundation of good oral health. More than just brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist, preventative dentistry protects your mouth and your overall health. Find out what counts as preventative dentistry and how it benefits you.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry refers to oral health habits that protect your overall health, including:
• Regular brushing and flossing
• Teeth cleaning
• Dental check-ups
• Oral x-rays
Why Get Preventative Dentistry?
During dental check-ups and x-rays, your dentist screens for gum disease, cavities, wisdom teeth impaction, oral cancer, and other serious oral health concerns. As with medicine, early detection is the key to a fast recovery. By keeping up with dental appointments and taking care of your teeth in between, you will save money and stay healthier.
Many dentists like to go over the foundations of preventative care during visits. Your dentist will make sure you know the best way to brush and floss your teeth. If you put off flossing because you don’t like it, your dentist can recommend alternative products to try, such as a water flosser. Your dentist can also demonstrate an appropriate technique, so you can prevent cavities and gum disease from developing in between appointments.
Even if you have a family history of gum disease or other oral health problems, a strong oral hygiene routine can keep your teeth and gums healthy. It will also save you money: it’s less expensive to pay the copay associated with dental hygiene appointments than to cover your share of the cost of cavities, fillings, and more expensive procedures.
When you keep up with preventative care, your dentist can treat problems as soon as they arise. Catching things early means the problem is localized rather than widespread. You’re less likely to need pricey procedures such as root canals when you visit the dentist regularly. Some oral health problems, such as gum disease, negatively affect your overall health. Studies have linked gum disease with chronic health conditions including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, and cancer.
If you skip preventive dentistry and only come in when there is a problem, you will pay more in out-of-pocket for treatment. Treatment may take longer and is usually more painful, both during the process and in terms of recovery.
When you compare cost of going to the dentist regularly with the costs of delaying visits until there’s a problem, it becomes simple. Preventative dentistry is the wise choice for your overall well-being.
