For most of us, the prospect of seeing a dentist is unappealing, if not downright terrifying. Most individuals put off getting their teeth checked for different reasons, which cause their issues to worsen.
But how many of us are aware of the consequences of doing so?
A dental cavity can develop into a full-blown infection if left untreated, resulting in extreme pain, pus discharge, abcess, and other serious issues. This negligence might result in not only severe agony but also a significant financial burden.
A small cavity detected during a routine check-up that may be repaired with a simple dental filling (costing 100-150$) may need more complex procedures such as Root Canal Treatments(700-900$), crowns(1100$), or even tooth extraction(200$) and implant placement (3000-4000$) if neglected, requiring more time and money. Not only dental decay, but minor gum problems may aggravate if neglected and may surmount to periodontal issues needing complex periodontal surgery. The consequences of poor dental health go beyond just “bad teeth.” It has an impact on your entire health and well-being, costs you valuable work time, and can lead to serious health issues.
However, most dental emergencies may be avoided if addressed early on. This is where Preventive dental care comes in. Preventive dental treatment is essential for maintaining the health of your teeth throughout your life.
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is dental care that focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Educating, treating, and maintaining your teeth and gums are all part of this practice. Preventive dental care includes everything from daily brushing to frequent visits to the dentist, who in turn helps you detect any early signs of dental disease and treats them at the outset. Dental professionals combine at-home oral care with chairside treatments and counseling in an effective preventative dentistry program.
Preventive Dentistry Strategies
A variety of in-office and at-home activities are included in preventive oral care methods for children and adults, including:
- At-home oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day (or after every meal) to eliminate dental plaque is an essential preventive method.
- Regular dental visits. Because most dental issues are painless at first, you may not be aware of dental problems until they cause severe damage if you don’t visit your dentist regularly. Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months for optimum outcomes; more frequently if you’re at higher risk for oral problems. Oral cancer screenings should also be performed by your dentist to look for abnormal tissues. Checking oral growth and development (including an assessment for caries development) should be a component of dental examinations, especially for youngsters.
- Dental cleanings and screenings. Every six months, a dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is advised to eliminate dental plaque and stains that you can’t remove on your own and check for symptoms of tooth decay.
- X-rays. Dentists can use X-rays to check for symptoms of dental problems that aren’t obvious to the human eye, such as cavities between teeth and issues below the gum line.
- Preventive treatment of small cavities- If your dentist comes across small cavities, they can perform restorative fillings on your routine check-ups. This would prevent them from getting larger and reaching the pulp (which causes pain and infection). In addition, for children, your dentist can seal the deep pits and fissures of their teeth with sealants to prevent any future cavities. Thus nipping dental cavities in the bud would prevent the future need for complex treatment like a root canal or teeth extractions.
- Fluoride use. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and protects them from decay. Fluoride treatments are available at dental offices, and dentists advise patients to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash at home.
- Orthodontic corrections. A poor bite (malocclusion) can make it difficult to eat and speak, and crooked teeth are difficult to clean. Correcting an incorrect bite using orthodontics, such as dental braces or transparent tooth aligners (invisible braces) like Invisalign, reduces the risk of future dental issues.
- Mouthguards. Mouthguards can be used during sporting activities to safeguard against broken teeth, particularly a custom-made mouthguard suggested by your dentist for a better fit. Teeth grinding (bruxism), which can wear down teeth and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, is also treated with mouth guards.
- Prevent tooth fracture- Chipped off or cracked teeth can be detected by your dentist and restored with crown or veneers to protect them from getting fractured.
- Other preventive treatment strategies- In case you have any missing teeth, replacing them would prevent any inadvertent tooth movement and restore the occlusal harmony of your mouth. Other chairside procedures that your dentist can perform are bone grafting at the time of extraction to avoid bone resorption and strengthen the jawbone, extract any inconspicuous root stump that may cause infection in the future, etc.
What are the benefits of preventive dentistry?
Regular preventative dental examinations help your oral health in the following ways:
- Reduces the chance of tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental issues.
- Encourages healthy dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
- Early detection of dental issues may save treatment time and expense.
- Allows your dentist to examine your mouth, jaw, neck thoroughly, and other areas to discover any potential issues.
- Aids in the reduction of dental issues associated with certain chronic medical diseases that may otherwise go unnoticed. A few examples are: Diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and eating disorders can all affect tooth and oral health.
So, now you know: Preventive dentistry is the key to keeping your teeth clean and healthy!! It’s the most effective approach to avoid gum disease, cavities, and other frequent problems. While preventative dentistry will not entirely eliminate the need for fillings, root canals, or dental implants, it may go a long way toward lowering the expense and necessity of these procedures.
How Can We Help?
We at Prime Dentistry look after the general and specialized dental needs of you and your family members of all ages, from early childhood to old age, offering comprehensive dental services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are fully equipped with modern dental technology and well-trained staff to bring the best possible treatment in the Philadelphia area to improve your dental health.
If you want a beautiful smile, our team at Prime dentistry is here to guide you. For more information about Preventive Dental care in Philadelphia, give us a call at (215) 742-1200.
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You can book your appointment with Prime Dentistry team now at : https://www.primedentistry.net/make-an-appointment/
