What is Preventive Dentistry?

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Dentistry is the branch of medicine that takes care of your oral health. It includes your mouth, your gum tissue, your tongue and, the roof of your mouth, and of course, your teeth. Compared to other branches of the health care system, dentistry is proactive by helping with the prevention of diseases and infections rather than being reactive to complicated problems. This practice is generally referred to as preventive dentistry. It is described as caring for your teeth to avoid issues such as cavities, gum disease, and loss enamel among others.

Some consider preventive dentistry as being the steps you take today to save money tomorrow. Even though it is true that restorative dental care is very expensive, easily reaching the tens of thousands of dollars, that should not be your sole consideration to adopt healthy oral hygiene habits. Having healthy gums and beautiful white teeth to show off when you smile, as well as being pain free, should be good motivators to begin your regular visits to the dentist.

In fact, many dentists will tell you that most dental diseases are preventable, but that when you ignore problems, leaving them untreated, an infection might spread to your entire body. Considering this possibility, why not adopt some preventive dentistry habits today? Your process should begin with selecting a dentist practice with a good reputation and committing to visit their office at least twice a year.

Most dentist offices will offer the following advice:

  • Brush your teeth properly at least twice per day
  • Floss everyday
  • Let the hygienist clean and screen your teeth twice per year
  • Eat a balanced-diet low in sugar or simple carbohydrates
  • Avoid snacks between meals
  • Avoid smoking and drinking
  • Wear mouth guards for high risk sports
  • Children should be taught these habits when they are young
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When visiting your dentist pymble every six months, you should expect:

  • A comprehensive check up
  • Digital X-rays
  • Education on how to brush, selecting the right toothbrush for you and how to floss
  • Cleaning and scaling
  • Fluoride and/or sealant application

By following these recommendations, you reduce your chances of experiencing cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss and periodontitis. In fact, preventive dentistry is a type of maintenance for your mouth, similar to having the oil changed in your car every three months. By following this routine, it helps reduce, or in some cases even eliminate, further dental treatments that are more invasive such as cutting of the gum or drilling of a tooth. Although gum treatment can be invasive and painful, you are probably more experienced with the process of filling a cavity. Aside from being unpleasant, the procedure includes freezing, drilling of your tooth, filling it with an amalgam of some kind and sealing it. You are left with a weakened tooth, a numbed mouth and a hefty bill. Would it not be simpler to prevent such adventures by following the advice of the professionals? After you consider the pros and cons of preventive dentistry, open the phone book and make an appointment.