Preventive dentistry is dental care that assists in the maintenance of dental fitness. It combines regular dental examinations with the development of good habits such as brushing and flossing regularly. Taking care of your teeth begins in childhood and continues throughout your life.
From the dentist’s side, preventive dental services include regular dental examinations, dental cleaning, and x-rays. However, the patients are responsible for a large portion of preventive dental care. Early development of healthy oral habits can aid in the reduction of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
What Does Preventative Dental Care Include?
It includes quite basic oral habits. The real effort is performing these actions regularly and correctly. Here is what your dentist is most likely to recommend:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash
- Avoiding food and beverages that can harm the teeth enamel
- Avoiding hard edibles that may chip the teeth
- Staying away from tobacco products
- If you grind teeth, then using a mouth guard at night
- Using a mouthguard when playing certain sports
Advantages of Having Preventative Dental Care
Here are five significant advantages of investing in preventive dental care:
- Despite brushing and flossing daily, it is not possible to reach all corners of your mouth where there is plaque and tartar build-up. Dental services such as dental cleanings provide a more thorough clean up — preventing cavities
- Regular dental check-ups can identify gum disease and other oral health problems before these worsen. Catching gum disease in time allows the dentist to develop an individual dental plan so that your gums keep functioning normally
- Many people do not realize they may have the problem of teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If these issues go undetected, the patient can develop jaw problems and tension headaches. Dental examinations can identify such issues and the dentist can then offer the right treatments or management
- Many issues are much worse than cavities. For example cancer and diabetes, which have been linked with poor oral health. At your regular dental check-ups, your dentist can evaluate if your oral health is indicating such serious diseases
- You can save money and time in the long run through preventive dental care services. When oral health issues are detected before they become worse, you can avoid more complicated and expensive treatments
Preventative Dental Care in Chula Vista
If you live in Chula Vista and want to enjoy the many benefits of preventative dental care, then visit Dr. Nick Addario. In addition to offering the usual preventive dental services, Dr. Addario provides detailed advice to his patients on how to take preventive measures at home to maintain long-term dental fitness.
Dr. Addario’s dental office in Chula Vista offers a comfortable and hygienic environment, along with trained staff, so you can get treatments for yourself and your children with complete peace of mind.