Helping Your Child if They Are Scared to Lose a Tooth
There's a reason the Tooth Fairy is around to make the idea of losing a tooth fun for kids. Losing a tooth can actually be a scary experience!
Don't Slack on Oral Health: Why Preventative Dentistry is so Important
When most people think about taking care of their health, priorities might include eating better, exercising more, and going for your annual physical. But your oral health can be just as important.
If you've never thought too hard about the benefits of preventative dental care, don't worry, you're not alone. But from avoiding costly treatments to staying ahead of gum disease, preventable oral health issues can save both your teeth and your wallet.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Just like with general healthcare, preventative dentistry is focused on keeping your teeth and gums healthy to stop health problems before they start. Our goal is to prevent cavities or gum disease from happening in the first place or, if it does, to treat an issue at the earliest possible stage.
Preventative dentistry includes regular dental visits, good at-home oral hygiene practices, and additional measures like early screenings, fluoride treatments, or dental sealants. It's also worth noting that preventative dentistry doesn't just benefit your mouth—it's linked to your whole-body health, reducing potential risks tied to heart disease and diabetes.
Why Preventative Dentistry is Important for Overall Health
For children, preventative measures aim to monitor the development of strong, cavity-free teeth. For adults, it helps combat gum disease and maintain overall oral health. And for seniors, it protects natural teeth and reduces complications with dentures or implants.
Here are some more compelling reasons why everyone should pay attention to preventative dental care.
Detect Problems Early
Preventative dentistry focuses on identifying potential issues like gum disease, cavities, or enamel wear before they escalate into painful (and expensive) problems. For example, a small cavity caught early on can be resolved with a simple filling versus waiting for it to turn into a root canal.
Save Money
The long-term cost savings of preventative care cannot be overstated. Regular check-ups and cleanings may feel expensive at the time, but they are far less costly than restorative treatments like crowns, implants, or oral surgeries.
Boost Quality of Life
Oral pain, missing teeth, or repeated infections can heavily impact your ability to speak, eat, or even smile confidently. Preventative care maintains function and quality of life through consistent upkeep.
Reduce Systemic Risks
Research shows connections between gum disease and serious health concerns like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Focusing on preventing gum disease could help mitigate these issues.
What Counts as Preventative Dental Care
Preventative dental care isn't just about showing up to the dentist twice a year (though that's where it starts).
- Regular Check-ups: Visiting every six months allows dental professionals to detect potential issues and track changes over time, ensuring no surprises pop up between visits.
- Professional Cleanings: No matter how diligent you are with brushing and flossing, professional tools can remove plaque and tartar in areas your toothbrush simply can't reach.
- Dental Sealants: Deep grooves in molars are a common site for cavities. Sealants fill these grooves with a protective layer that safeguards teeth from decay.
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resilient to decay, which is especially beneficial for those prone to cavities.
- At-home Oral Care Routine: Your toothbrush and floss are also considered preventative, so brush at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or a water flosser.
- Healthy Eating: Avoid sugary snacks and beverages that feed harmful bacteria, and instead, opt for fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Don't Wait Until It Hurts
Whether you're consistent with an already regular routine or making a new commitment to your oral health, it's always a great time to take your oral health seriously.
And right now is the perfect time to call us and schedule your next appointment!
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