How Can Preventive Dentistry Prevent Oral Health Problems?

You may be thinking, “I don’t need to see the dentist because I don’t have any problems with my teeth.”

It’s a common train of thought but it’s not in your best interest. Dental care isn’t just for when you have an oral health problem. There’s a whole field called preventive dentistry, which focuses on preventing dental issues from cropping up. That means that if you have healthy teeth now, a great way to ensure they stay that way is to get preventive dentistry. This little bit of time and money you spend keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape is a small but worthwhile investment for your health. Without preventive care, avoidable problems can develop that require a much greater investment of time and money later! Read on to learn how preventive dentistry can benefit the entire family.

Plaque & Tartar Removal

Even if you’re not experiencing any pain with your teeth or you don’t notice anything particularly unusual with your oral health, you may be building up plaque and tartar around your teeth and gumline. When you go in for your regular checkups, a dental hygienist will be able to get rid of all of this to prevent further problems like cavities or gum disease. In fact, it’s not possible for you to remove tartar on your own—only a dental professional can do it.

Oral Cancer Check

A standard part of a routine dental appointment is the oral cancer screening. This quick check over your mouth is a way for your dentist to look for any early signs of oral cancer. The sooner you catch this disease, the better off you are when it comes to treatment. Most likely, oral cancer screenings aren’t something you’re doing on your own. The screening can have significant consequences so it’s another great example of the advantage of preventive dentistry.

Additional Treatments

Preventive dentistry isn’t just about what goes on in your semi-annual dental visits. Many other treatments fall under this umbrella, too. For example, you can get an athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from injury while playing contact sports. You can also get a night mouthguard to save your teeth from damage occurring from grinding your teeth at night. Then, there are dental sealants which seal off the little crevices in your teeth to prevent cavities from forming in those areas.

In the end, all of these preventive dental treatments can go a long way to keeping your oral health in great condition. You may think that you don’t need them until you have a problem. We can save you from wishing you had taken some preventive measures earlier. Contact us today to book an appointment for preventive dentistry at Scenic Bluffs Dental!