What Is the Goal of Preventative Dentistry?
Put simply:
The goal of preventative dentistry is to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Preventative dentistry is a multi-faceted and ongoing process.
But who’s job is it?
It’s not just the dentist’s job to ensure your natural teeth function and look beautiful. But dentists do a lot to help you keep your one-of-a-kind smile healthy!
There’s a lot more to it.
Preventative dentistry includes your habits at home plus your commitment to regular dentist appointments.
Let’s dive deeper into this:
At Stelzer Dental, we’ve been helping patients care for their oral health by guiding them through the process along the way, and we’ll do the same for you. After all, long-lasting, beautiful smiles don’t happen by accident.
So read on to find out about the principles of preventative care in dentistry. This way, you’ll improve your chances of keeping that healthy smile you love for many years to come!
What is preventative dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the care for your oral health by:
- Brushing and flossing at home
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and exams
Brushing with an FDA-approved toothpaste and flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease, while in-office dentist appointments help clean the tight spots you might miss and allow us to find dental problems early on.
A dentist’s early detection methods include:
- A physical exam of the mouth
- An x-ray scan
- Oral cancer screening
These all help improve the chance of finding dental issues before they’re out of control.
Left untreated, oral problems can become complex and cost you more time and money.
When was your last exam?
If you’re one of those people who thinks skipping dentist appointments is OK, then it’s time to rethink the importance of preventative dentistry. If you’re overdue for a dental exam and cleaning, don’t wait any longer.
The longer you wait, the higher the risk of cavities and gum disease, not to mention the many other problems linked to oral health.
Your oral health affects your overall health, so caring for your teeth and gums needs to happen every day. Care for your teeth while at home and at least twice a year at the dentist.
Ideally, preventative dentistry should start at an early age to keep pristine teeth in good shape.
Preventative dentistry for children explained.
Teaching children great dental habits from a young age is important because it’s a lifetime of habits that determines their smile’s look and function as they get older.
It takes a village to raise a child.
If you grew up with healthy dental habits at home, it’s because of your parents or guardians and dentist who’ve helped create the beautiful smile you have today!
A natural, healthy smile is priceless. So if you’re a parent, be sure to teach your family how present habits affect the future.
Parents and dentists must work together…
Dental hygiene at home plays a huge role in preventative dentistry, but your child also needs to visit the dentist twice a year or as recommended by your dentist.
In addition to dental cleanings and routine oral exams, your child’s dentist can provide preventative treatments like fluoride and sealants.
Extra precautions like these help keep their young teeth healthy to enjoy a natural, beautiful smile as they get older.
Dentists also give tips on how to brush or floss better, and answer any questions you or your child have.
What’s the risk of ignoring regular oral health and preventative dentistry?
Risks of not caring for oral health properly include:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Enamel damage
- Serious infection and heart problems
Preventable issues can turn into big problems if you ignore preventative dentistry.
How can advanced dental issues be fixed?
Regular dentist visits help prevent oral issues from growing, but if a problem does exist, then there are restorative and cosmetic dentistry solutions available.
Unfortunately, tooth decay and gum disease cause irreversible damage in the long-term, affecting overall health as well.
The long answer to “What is the goal of preventative dentistry?” is all of the above in this blog. It’s a process of maintaining excellent oral health to keep gums and teeth healthy now and in the future.
It’s a lifetime of habits that create great oral health and wellbeing!
Looking for preventative dental care in Lower Gwynedd, PA?
Stelzer Dental offers a full spectrum of care with restorative, cosmetic, and preventative dentistry.
We serve:
- Lower Gwynedd, PA
- Spring House, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Ambler, PA
- Blue Bell, PA
- Montgomeryville, PA
Dr. Stelzer is here to help you create a happy and healthy smile, and in turn, improved overall wellness.
Contact us for a consultation today:
- Click to contact us online.
- Call us: (215) 646-5777
- Email us: frontdesk@stelzerdental.com
