Why is Preventive Dentistry Important?

You might be familiar with the saying “prevention is better than cure,” because truly maintaining good health is important. Preventive dentistry focuses on preventing dental problems instead of looking into ways to cure them. The core of preventive dentistry is the belief that is you follow all the steps of maintaining good hygiene, many dental issues can be prevented.

Most dental problems stem from poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss regularly, and skipping dentist visits has increased dental emergency cases. Instead of relying on a cure for dental problems, preventive dentistry focuses on taking care of the teeth to diminish the development of major diseases. There are several aspects of preventive dentistry. Get to know more about them below.

• Regular brushing and flossing. Brushing the teeth twice daily and flossing once helps remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Aside from the frequency, you also need to brush the recommended amount of time. Most dentists say that you should brush for at least two minutes.
• Fluoride use. For years, fluoride has long been used as an effective defense against tooth decay. Even drinking water is treated with fluoride to make it safe for public use. Fluoride can also be found in toothpastes, foams and gels.
• Healthy diet. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, having a good diet is also vital in preventive dentistry. Eating chicken, meats, nuts and cheese protects the enamel, while carbonated drinks and sweets increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Having a healthy diet also does wonders on the overall health.
• Regular dental visits.There are dental problems that do not show any signs or symptoms until they are already at an advanced stage. Thus, it is important that you visit a dental twice a year to detect any issues while still at their early stage. Dentists have the necessary tools and equipment to perform complete checkups and prevent potential dental issues become they become problematic.
• Patient education. People who are more aware of the consequences of failing to practice good oral hygiene are more likely to take oral health seriously. Educating patients via media, public forums and other avenues reinforces dental hygiene and ensure that they make more informed decisions about their oral health.
• Injury protection. No matter how much you take care of your teeth and gums, an injury brought about by an accident can affect your dental health. Because of this, it is important to take the necessary precautions to save your teeth from possible injuries. This includes using a mouthguard or wearing a helmet when playing contact sports.

There are many ways to protect your teeth and gums from problems. Follow the tips above and you should be on your way to better oral health. It also helps to talk with your dentist for more tips on how you can maintain good dental health.