Many dentists divide up their services between the categories of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Restorative deals with restoring teeth and cosmetic is all about improving aesthetics, so what’s the deal with preventive dental care? This type of dentistry focuses on preventing dental issues by keeping teeth and gums healthy from the get-go. Rather than waiting for something like cavities or gum disease to develop, it aims to stop those from happening in the first place.
Why Preventive Dentistry Is Important
Benjamin Franklin said it best when he declared, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s far more affordable to keep up with your dental health with routine preventive appointments rather than waiting to deal with more expensive complications — not to mention, it’s a whole lot less stressful too. Wouldn’t you rather just get standard teeth cleanings at the dentist instead of dealing with a painful problem or having to come in for a major procedure one day?
Plus, your oral health is tied to your overall health, so when you take advantage of preventive dentistry you’re taking steps to look after your total wellness. It’s the same as getting regular check-ups at your general doctor or eye doctor!
Types of Preventive Dental Treatments
At Parkside Family Dental, we offer a variety of preventive dental treatments. The ones you’re probably most familiar with are routine exams and cleanings. These are the foundation of preventive dental care. You should be visiting a dentist for an exam and teeth cleaning every six months.
In addition, we offer fluoride treatments to strengthen and protect tooth enamel, dental sealants to keep out cavities, and nightguards and mouthgaurds to shield teeth from wear and injury. To learn more about these services, you can visit our Preventive Dentistry page!
Preventive Dentistry at Home
Preventive dentistry isn’t something that solely happens with dental visits. You’re actually practicing it at home too with your daily oral care routine! Brushing and flossing your teeth are both ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You probably know by now that you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, but here are some extra tips to step up your preventive dental care game:
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
- Remember to brush your tongue.
- Pick toothpaste with fluoride in it.
- Use a floss threader if you have braces.
- Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your routine.
If you have any more questions about preventive dentistry, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office!
Schedule your routine dental check-up at Parkside Family Dental!
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