A healthy, attractive smile can be one of a patient’s greatest assets. However, it takes a lot of hard work and conscientious effort on the patient’s part to maintain such a stellar smile. Preventive dentistry is an important component of patients’ efforts to boost their dental well-being.
When you visit the dentist, you can address relatively minor issues, such as small cavities or gingivitis before they become major problems, like abscesses and advanced periodontitis. When your dentist is examining your mouth on such a routine basis, it will be easier for him to catch symptoms of oral diseases in their earliest stages. This can reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes like tooth or bone loss that can detract from your smile.
During routine examinations, the dentist may even be able to detect a potentially cancerous growth and encourage a patient to get treatment. This can be life-saving in addition to smile-boosting.
The professional cleanings you get from experienced dental hygienists are also important to preventive dentistry. These cleanings eliminate the plaque and tartar that can build up along your gumline, even when you are flossing and brushing regularly.
Other preventive treatments like fluoride treatments and sealants can also benefit some patients who have weaker teeth and might be more susceptible to tooth loss.
Of course, some preventive dentistry takes place outside of the dentist’s office, too. Your home oral hygiene routine can make significant contributions to your oral health. Fastidious brushing and flossing based on the schedule recommended by your dentist can keep plaque and tartar to a minimum between your prophylaxis (dental cleaning) appointments.
Your first step toward good preventive dental care should be to get on a schedule of semi-annual check-ups with your dentist, if you’re not already seeing the dentist at that interval. Be sure to keep good oral hygiene habits at home, too, and ask your dentist for any additional recommendations for preventive care, either at home or in the dentist’s office.
If it’s time for your next dental exam, contact our skilled and friendly team at Main Street Dental Arts. Call 972-937-1841 to schedule your visit today.
