Taking care of your teeth is more important than most people believe. If you don’t take care of your teeth now you may end up spending thousands of dollars in the future to fix dental problems that could have been avoided with proper preventative care. Take the time to be informed on the daily things you can be doing to help with future dental issues. It will be worth it in the long run and will save you time, money, and pain.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. This helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more. There are many forms of preventative dentistry such as daily brushing and dental cleanings. To maintain optimal oral health ,the American Dental Association recommends visits to the dentist at regular intervals determined by a dentist. These practices are designed to ensure that teeth are clean, strong, and white. Children should be taught proper oral hygiene at an early age. Here are some ways to practice preventative dentistry:
Brush your teeth daily– The most important part of preventative dentistry is to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Most people should replace their toothbrushes three to four times per year.
Floss daily– Daily flossing helps to clean out the tight spaces between the teeth. If you have braces, you may need to use floss threaders to get between the metal brackets.
Visit your dentist– You should see your dentist at least once or twice per year for an exam to check for any problems in the teeth or gums. Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them right away.
Eat a balanced diet– Eating a balanced diet also helps to protect your teeth by providing them with the nutrients they need. Limit your sugar intake, including simple carbohydrates.
What are the Benefits of Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry prevents people from developing dental problems later on in life. If you use proper dental care, you can avoid or lessen the effects of cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, periodontitis. Everyone benefits from preventative dentistry. Children, in particular benefit because it allows their newly developing adult teeth to come in strong and healthy. If you’re an adult you can benefit from preventative dentistry because it helps you to keep your real teeth healthy and strong. Oral health is connected to the health and your body as a whole. This is because the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Maintaining a clean mouth benefits your overall health.
In addition to reducing your risk for health issues, practicing good preventative health can save you money. Even with dental insurance, the costs associated with poor oral hygiene can add up. Preventative dentistry can go a long way in reducing your need for costly treatments. Request an appointment today with our friendly staff at Clark Family Dental. We can help on your road to good dental hygiene and help save you time, money and pain.
