What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Are you familiar with preventive dentistry and its purpose and importance? Many people are not familiar with or do not take advantage of these services. Just as you need to care for parts of your body, such as your heart and other vital organs, you need to focus on your teeth and gums. Neglecting oral health care can hamper your smile but also lead to serious problems. Your own efforts are critical, but your dentist can also help get you on track.

What happens to people who ignore their dental health

In preventive dentistry, dentists treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. People come into the office with an assortment of issues and concerns. When patients do not brush and floss effectively, it is likely that they will have cavities. Gum disease is also possible. Left untreated, these conditions can cause infections and disease in the mouth. Tooth loss and bone loss can also occur.

Poor oral health can affect other aspects of a person’s wellness. Infections in the teeth and gums can spread throughout the mouth. This could eventually impact the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cosmetic implications are also possible, as a patient may be embarrassed about their appearance.

Teaching about care

In preventive dentistry, the goal is all about keeping serious conditions away. The dentist can do this through instruction and education. As basic as the activities may seem, some people do not know how to brush and floss properly. The dentist can show the patient how to do so. Brushing should occur at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and right before bed.

The person should spend a minute or two brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste. It is important to floss daily and get between each tooth. The individual should be mindful not to floss too aggressively, however. These two habits will prevent cavities and gum disease.

Dental checkups

Aside from daily care, people should see their dentist regularly. A preventive dentistry office will provide wellness checkups to assess a patient’s needs. The dentist can identify emerging conditions and concerns. The hygienist will clean and polish the person’s teeth too, removing buildup from the teeth and gumline. At a semiannual appointment, the dentist may also put on sealants, which protect teeth from getting cavities.

Providing treatment and maintenance

In preventive dentistry, the dentist can also keep an oral health condition from getting more significant. For example, if the dentist diagnoses the patient with early stages of gum disease, the dentist can put the patient on a treatment plan. This can reverse the effects of the disease and keep it from progressing to tooth loss or bone loss. If there is tooth decay, the dentist can treat it with a filling before it becomes larger or develops an infection.

Know the benefits of preventive dentistry

As you see the importance of oral health care in your life, take action. Make an appointment with your dentist today. If you have not had a checkup for a while, now is the right time to get your dental wellness under control. Along with good daily habits, you can get the help you need from the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistrypeoria.com or call Peoria Family Dentistry at 623-552-4665 for an appointment in our Peoria office.

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