That old saying goes that, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure,” and that can be easily applied to preventative dentistry.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Simply put, it’s the practice of maintaining good oral hygiene so that severe dental issues can be prevented in the future. A full mouth reconstruction can cost between $45,000 and $80,000!
It’s easier to stop oral health problems from happening in the first place, than to repair the damage after it has happened.
In addition, you’re also reducing your risk of cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, and periodontitis. This can reduce your risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health, such as diabetes, respiratory disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer.
Preventive, proactive dental visits will result in:
- Less pain
- Less expense
- Less time in the dentist’s chair
What Does Preventive Dentistry Include?
Preventative dentistry is a mix of at-home and in-office practices that everyone can – and should – do.
They include:
- Regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day and replacing your toothbrush at least twice a year.
- Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay, so use a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse at home and get a fluoride treatment from your dentist.
- Dental radiographs (x-rays) are a critical component of preventive, proactive care in order to find problems invisible to the naked eye, as early as possible, before they become big problems.
- A healthy, balanced diet is essential to not only oral health, but your health overall. Avoid foods and drinks with excessive sugars that feed the bacteria that produce dental plaque, and include calcium-rich items to decrease your chances of developing gum disease and jaw deterioration.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for to check for any problems in the teeth or gums and to get a thorough cleaning. Since most dental conditions are painless at first, you may not be aware of dental problems until they cause significant damage if you don’t regularly see your dentist.
Benefits Of Preventive Dentistry
Preventative dental care doesn’t only keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Here are some of the more surprising benefits:
Less Expense
Compared to the costs associated major dental work, home care and professional cleanings are relatively cheap. Making a small investment in preventive care can save you thousands in the future.
Less Time in the Dentist’s Chair
If given the choice between spending hours in a dentist chair or a few minutes every day brushing and flossing your teeth, the answer is pretty obvious.
Less Pain
By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you avoid minor problems that can turn into major problems down the road, such as root canals, crowns and that dreadful drill.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
Beware of Sugary Drinks and Foods! Frequency of exposure to sugar can be just as damaging as a large quantity.
For example, one can of soda-pop sipped throughout the course of a day can cause major damage, even though it’s only one can per day. Sip soda all day, and you’ll get decay!
Personalized Preventive Dentistry At Klein Dental In Grandville, MI
To learn more about how Klein Dental can help you with your preventative dental care, feel free to contact us anytime. We’d love to learn more about your unique situation and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Get Affordable, Professional Dental Care, Without Insurance!
If you don’t have dental insurance, you may tend to skip regular cleanings and exams because of the cost. But Klein Dentistry can help!
Join our dental care membership club and you’ll get 2 cleanings per year, exams and x-rays at no additional charge. Plus, save 12% on other services.
Great for kids and adults, our club has many perks that will keep your mouth healthier and your smile brighter all year long. You can even join our club if you have periodontal disease.
