Preventative Dental Care
It’s no secret that many (if not most) people dread going to the dentist. Many even put their routine dental visits off – and only seek dental care when they have an aching, broken, or missing tooth.
There are plenty of reasons why you must maintain regular preventative dental visits – and with modern techniques, there is no reason to be ambivalent or afraid of going to the dentist.
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is a branch of general dentistry that maintains the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Everyone, from the age of just 2 years, should see their dentist for preventative dental care once every 6 months.
A preventative dental visit includes:
• Examination of the teeth for cavities, chips, and cracks (diagnostic dental X-rays may be required).
• Examination of the gums to identify early signs of gum disease.
• Screening of the oral tissues (cheeks, tongue, palate, lips) to quickly identify any possible signs of oral cancer or disease.
• Assessment of the bite and checking for issues with the temporomandibular joint.
• Professional in-clinic clean and polish to remove plaque, tartar, and stains.
• Professional fluoride treatment.
• Oral hygiene education and advice.
Teenagers who play sports may be fitted with mouthguards to protect their teeth. Seniors may be provided with denture care and advice for cleaning protocols.
Why Maintain Your Dental Visits?
Dental care is not simply about checking the teeth for cavities. It is also critical to identify and prevent periodontal (gum) disease. This is a serious medical issue of which bleeding gums are often the earliest sign. It is an infection in the gums and, untreated, it can lead to soft tissue and bone destruction and tooth loss.
One of the biggest reasons to prevent and quickly treat gum disease is the impact it can have on your overall health. The mouth harbours an enormous amount of bacteria. If the gums are infected or bleeding, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream. From here it can quickly travel to other parts of the body and there is a medically proven link between gum disease and developing heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia.
Visit your dentist every 6 months, even if you have no problems with your teeth, to:
Save money in the long term
Prevent toothache and cavities
Preserve your natural teeth
Prevent bleeding gums
Maintain your brightest smile
Enjoy fresher breath
Prevent systemic disease
Identify oral cancer as early as possible
Live your healthiest, best life
Preventative dental care also requires at-home maintenance – brushing and flossing twice daily.
Choose the Right Preventative Dental Supplies
Dental clinics need to be fully stocked at all times with everything required for preventative and general dentistry, from prophy paste to polishing accessories like dental burs and fluoride treatments. As such, they must partner with a premium distributor of comprehensive dental supplies in Sydney or convenient locally to them.
Many dentists will also offer preventative dental items to their patients for sale, including:
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Interdental brushes
• Dental floss
• Mouth Rinses
• Dry Mouth Care
• Tongue Cleaners
• Toothpicks
• Gums & Mints
• Denture Care Products
Conclusion…
Most dental problems are preventable. Oral health is your key to general wellbeing – and it is easy to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth with regular visits to your dentist for an oral health check and clean. Identifying and treating any issues that arise promptly will stand you in good stead so that you enjoy optimal dental health for life.