Preventive Dentistry in Bondi: Understanding the importance of active maintenance
Your dentist might be an expert on filling cavities or even restorative dentistry. But what if they could prevent that need in the first place?
That’s the goal of preventive dentistry. When a dental office makes this a priority, it helps ensure you maintain optimal oral health. By combining regular check-ups with proper oral hygiene at home, you can avoid complicated procedures down the road.
Read on to learn what is the goal of preventive dentistry, and how it can benefit your family.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Put simply, preventive dentistry is the regular maintenance of your teeth and gums to prevent decay and other issues. That means visiting your dentist every six months (or as often as recommended) for a dental hygiene check-up. During your visit, you can benefit from a cleaning as well as x-rays to find any potential issues.
When you visit the dentist regularly, the dental team can also spot potential problems and deal with them before they become serious. This not only can save you money in the long run by avoiding fillings and gum treatments, but it can also help preserve your overall health. For example, a dentist might be able to recognise the early signs of oral cancer.
A dentist can also recommend proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy between visits. You should be brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, as well as flossing daily and using a mouthwash. You can also further reduce oral issues by avoiding smoking, high consumption of alcohol, and a sugar-rich diet.
What Kind of Issues Can Arise Without It?
Skipping dental checkups might mean you only visit the dentist when a problem arises. That’s the equivalent of not taking your vehicle for maintenance until the engine breaks down.
Some of the issues that can be reduced by preventive dentistry include periodontal disease (also known as gum disease.) This is a condition that’s caused by a buildup of bacteria, causing your gums to bleed. If left unchecked, it can actually cause your gums to recede and you might even lose teeth in the process.
However, the lack of oral care will affect more than just your teeth. It can affect your entire body. For example, those with poor oral health have a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, as well as diabetes complications. Oral hygiene has also been linked to pregnancy issues including low birth weight and even premature births.
Preventive dentistry can also help kids avoid tooth decay, and extend the life of natural teeth in older patients.
Brush Up on Prevention
Visiting your dentist regularly for preventive dentistry can help you avoid unpleasant conditions such as gum disease. It can also help spot diseases such as oral cancer early for treatment.
Skipping dental checkups can cost you more in complicated procedures, and affect your overall health. It has been linked to cardiovascular problems and other issues.
To find out more or to book an appointment, contact The Bondi Dentists today.