Preventative dentistry is not a fad or a new trend. Oral hygiene should be practised throughout our entire lives to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Instructing children to start this habit at a young age will carry on throughout their lifetimes, making their oral health as good as it can be. Any abnormal condition of the mouth may lead to serious complications and even illness.
Poor oral hygiene may lead to:
- Gum disease
- Loss of teeth
- Infection
- Pain
- Unattractive Appearance
- Emotional Insecurities
What is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is any action an individual or dental professional take to maintain healthy teeth and gums. There are many interventions that are free or inexpensive that anyone can perform in the home. Healthy habits involving oral care can help save money, improve self-esteem, and avoid health problems.
Preventative dentistry at home
Numerous interventions performed daily assist in the prevention of cavities, gum disease or loss of enamel. Some of these interventions include:
- Brushing teeth for at least 2 minutes twice daily
- Rinsing the mouth after snacking
- Limit sugars and sweeteners in drinks or foods
- Purchasing oral health rinses for use with oral hygiene tasks
- Avoid smoking
- Floss at least once every day
- Maintain a routine schedule to visit your dentist
While the measures above are not the only things one can perform to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and other undesirable outcomes, starting early is key. Teaching children healthy oral habits maintains a lifetime of good health hygiene. Health hygiene is directly associated with oral hygiene. Since our mouths are by nature dirty, some harmful habits wear away at our protective enamel and gums, with the potential of gaps between the tooth and gum and allowing bacteria to accumulate and create an infection.
What can I do to improve dental visit outcomes?
Routine visits to your dentist may decrease overall health care costs and save you money in the long run. We have all heard this adage- ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. That statement holds true, especially for the teeth and gums. Dental procedures cost thousands of dollars. Not only that but how many individuals look forward to seeing their dentist? Performing preventative hygiene helps prevent issues that come up during a routine visit and relieve anxiety beforehand that you have done what you can as part of your dental care team.
Partnering with your dentist can lead to a long-term professional relationship for a lifetime. Familiarity with individuals and their lifestyles and habits assists the dentist in health care teaching and providing guidance from child to adult.
Preventative dentistry is not just a catchphrase, but a habit. A good habit that results in saving money, having improved self-esteem and confidence, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, and passing this knowledge on to the next generation.
