The adage prevention is better than cure holds a true context even in oral health, as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Many of us don’t realise that our oral health directly impacts our overall health, which is why keeping our teeth and mouths healthy is so important. All practices and habits that help maintain good oral health are referred to as preventive dental care. This means being proactive instead of reactive to your everyday habits to ensure good dental health. This may include simple daily brushing and flossing to professional techniques like dental cleaning and oral exams.
Find out how to keep your teeth healthy by reading about preventive dentistry.
What are the benefits of preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is important for maintaining good oral health. Practising preventive dentistry allows you to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Some of the benefits of preventive dentistry include the following:
- Early problem detection
Dental problems, such as decay, gum, or periodontal disease, can go undetected until they’ve caused significant damage. The best way to avoid these issues is to get regular dental assessments. Our experts will examine your teeth and gums during your routine checkup for any plaque buildup.
If there is evidence of decay, the appropriate treatment will be initiated to remove it before it causes further damage.
- Prevents Decay and Cavities
At Alpha Dental, one of the general dental care services we offer is a professional deep cleaning to remove any plaque buildup that may be present. Plaque is a thin film that forms on the teeth after consuming food or drinks; while brushing can help remove some of it, deep cleaning is also necessary to ensure oral health.
As part of your routine dental checkup, our team offers general dental care service to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene.
- Strengthens Your Teeth
The professionals at Alpha Dental recommend using fluoride toothpaste daily to give your teeth the extra strength they need. Fluoride helps to reabsorb minerals like calcium and phosphate, which are essential for your teeth, and it also protects them against acid attacks (which occur when you eat sugary foods). In addition, fluoride can help reverse mild dental cavities, especially those more prone to cavities.
- Improves Overall Health
Preventative dentistry is not just about keeping your smile white and sparkling – it’s about maintaining your oral health so that you can avoid painful and costly dental problems down the line. Decay, cavities, and gum disease are all serious conditions that can lead to more serious health problems, like heart disease. That’s why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups so any problems can be caught early and treated accordingly.
Good dental hygiene habits at home, like brushing and flossing, are essential, but they can only do to some extent regular professional cleanings and checkups are key to keeping your mouth healthy.
- Cost effective
Dental decay can be extremely costly to treat and, in severe cases, can lead to the need for dental implants or other restorative procedures. These expensive procedures require ongoing maintenance, which can add up quickly. To avoid these costly treatments, it is important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Alpha Dental offers affordable dental care services to support your family’s dental health.
How can you have preventive dental care at home?
If you are interested in practising preventive dentistry, there are a few things you can do at home, such as:
- Brushing and flossing regularly: Two minutes of brushing with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed is essential. Daily flossing, preferably before bed, removes food particles in areas toothbrushes can’t reach.
- Eating a balanced diet- A balanced diet provides your teeth with the nutrition they need to maintain good oral health. Limit sugar intake, including simple carbohydrates like white bread, and drink plenty of water daily. Eating a varied diet will help you get all the necessary vitamins to maintain a healthy smile.
- Visiting your dentist regularly- Alpha dental clinic Perth recommends that patients visit the dentist at least once yearly for a routine examination. These checkups help identify any potential problems with the teeth or gums so that they can be taken care of immediately. Those at a high risk for developing dental problems may benefit from more frequent visits, while those at a low risk may only need one cleaning per year. However, even just one annual cleaning and exam can help keep the mouth healthy.
Who gets the maximum benefit from preventive dentistry?
Everyone can benefit from preventive dentistry, but children mainly because it helps their newly developing adult teeth become strong and healthy. You can prevent decay in your children’s teeth with dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments. If you’re an aging adult, preventive dentistry can help keep your teeth strong and away from cavity-causing bacteria. Oral health is connected to the health of your body as a whole because the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria – so maintaining a clean mouth benefits your overall health.
Now that we have gone over preventive dental care try not to miss your regular dental appointments. Alpha dental professionals recommend you visit the dentist at least twice a year to maintain good oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Perth, we would be happy to provide a consultation. Contact us to book your appointment.