Why Is Preventive Dentistry Important?

Caring for your teeth and gums today is important in ensuring that your oral health remains well for years to come. This care should start as early as childhood and continue throughout adulthood. Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for teeth and gums to keep them clean, strong, and healthy.

 Good oral health involves brushing teeth at least twice a day. Mornings and evenings are the best times to brush using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. People should floss after brushing. Flossing removes any remaining food, especially any that is stuck in between the teeth.

 Other than good brushing and flossing, preventive dentistry requires people to have regular dental checkups. The checkups should be at least once every year if the person does not have any dental issues. Dentists may advise on more checkups if a patient presents with a certain issue. The frequency of visits may also depend on the type of dental plan a person has. A routine checkup at the dentist in most cases includes an oral exam of the teeth, gums, and mouth as well as teeth cleaning and sometimes an X-ray.

 After the exam, the dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste brand as well as advice on the proper way to clean your teeth. Doctors also advise patients to refrain from eating certain foods that contain excess amounts of sugar or any other hard food that can damage teeth. A well-balanced diet is important in maintaining good oral health.

 All the above measures are important in preventing tartar and plaque that eventually lead to tooth cavities. When food remains stuck on and in between teeth, it forms a sticky film that hubs bacteria. The bacteria also produce acid that erodes the tooth causing cavities and eventually tooth loss.

 When people practice preventive dentistry, they ensure early diagnosis of dental diseases. During a dental exam, your dentist can be able to identify early signs of gum disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental diseases. Once the dentist does the diagnosis, he or she can recommend a cause of action to avoid further damage to the teeth and gums.

 If people do not practice preventive dentistry, eventually they can begin losing teeth. Tooth loss can happen on its own or a dentist may have to remove a tooth to prevent further damage to the patient’s gums and health. Either way, loss of teeth can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Not being able to chew food properly can lead to digestive problems. Tooth loss can also interfere with a person’s self-esteem. Not being able to talk or smile freely can cause some people to isolate themselves socially in fear of people staring or laughing at them.

 In the end, removing and replacing decaying teeth or fallen teeth is also expensive. People can avoid this cost if they practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups.

 If you have further questions about how to maintain proper oral hygiene and practicing preventive dentistry, please visit our offices, Steven H. Brenman DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, in Staten Island, New York. You can also call to book an appointment at (718) 285-7388.