Preventive dentistry refers to dental care that helps preserve good oral health. It’s a blend of following good habits like brushing twice a day and flossing once before going to bed at night and regular dental checkups. Taking good care of your teeth begins early in childhood and continues throughout your life. Personal diet is also equally important that includes limiting your intake of extra sweets and sugary drinks, which can help curb your likelihood of developing cavities. It is essential to drink adequate water and savour dietary sources of important vitamins and minerals for oral health, such as vitamin D and calcium.
How Does Preventative Dentistry Work?
It is imperative to visit your dentist twice a year (i.e. once in six months) and follow your at-home habits, as it will help avert diverse tooth problems and more serious complications. It can include severe oral health problems like cavities, infection, periodontitis and gingivitis. Furthermore, poor oral health is also linked to osteoporosis, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, and even heart disease.
Children are more vulnerable to catching oral health problems due to sugary snacks and juice and the introduction of foreign objects into the mouth, like toys. Thus, preventative oral health care is vital to help them establish lifelong habits and avert damaging or losing teeth.
Poor oral health care can lead to severe complications, tooth decay and expensive cosmetic procedures. Preventative dental care can keep your teeth healthy but also help save you money over time. Regular visits to your dentist can help avert problems from intensifying to complex issues that will be costly to repair.
What Are Included In Standard Preventative Dentistry Services?
Standard preventative dentistry services include:
- Teeth Cleaning
- Regular oral inspections every six months
- Routine X-rays
Types of Dentists that Provide Preventive Dental Care
There are various types of dentists, but only two types of dentists provide preventive dentistry, and they are (1) General Dentists and (2) Paediatric Dentists.
General Dentist: A general dentist is also known as a family dentist; you’ll approach this dentist when you require preventative dental treatment like regular teeth inspections, teeth cleaning and X-rays. Furthermore, they can also do the fillings and render other primary dental care. Your general dentist can identify any likely tooth-related problems before they advance to bigger ones, help you develop healthier habits, and refer you to a dental specialist if you require further care.
Paediatric Dentist: Paediatric dentists are specially trained to treat dental problems in children, so they are child specialists for dental care and treatment. Most babies will need dental care as soon as their first tooth appears, and the paediatric dentist will continue to see children through their teen years. A paediatric dentist will provide preventative dentistry services and more specialised care when required, including fillings, extractions and oral surgery.
Advantages of Preventive Dentistry
Visiting your general dentist every six months will provide you with the following advantages to your oral health:
- Preventive dentistry encourages good oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing.
- Preventative dentistry curtails your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and more serious dental problems.
- Preventative dentistry helps lower dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions. Osteoporosis, diabetes, certain cancers and eating disorders can all affect dental health. Regular preventive dental care is a vital part of overall health for those suffering from chronic conditions.
- When you visit your dentist as part of your regular visit, it facilitates your dentist to thoroughly inspect your mouth, jaw, etc., to determine any related problems. Early detection of dental problems may help reduce treatment and cost.
