Preventive Dentistry

What is preventative dentistry?

Preventive dentistry, as the word suggests, refers to any activity that helps prevent oral health problems. The aim is to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth as healthy as possible to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. It is a combination of regular dental check-ups and practicing good habits such as brushing and flossing your teeth. Dental care begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. Active dental care helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums, which means you are less likely to lose your teeth from gum disease or tooth decay. Serious dental problems can be avoided with proactive prevention.

The benefits of preventative dentistry

Good oral health not only maintains your smile but also protects you from several other severe diseases. The following are the benefits of preventive dentistry.

Lower the risks of tooth decay
Protect from serious tooth infections and diseases
Help promote good oral hygiene habits
Early preventive measures minimize the costs of treatments
Help maintain overall good oral health
Prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart attack, and cancer, etc
Reduce the risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems
Affordable treatment
Restore your smile
Good oral health boosts your confidence

Side effects of neglecting your dental health

Most people know that poor oral hygiene can have adverse effects on the oral cavity, leading to bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, abscesses, tooth infections, and tooth loss. But did you know that neglecting oral hygiene can lead to more serious complications that affect your overall health? It is important to be screened for caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer at least once every 6 months in the dentist’s office. The following are the side effects of neglecting your oral health.

Bad Breath: Poor oral hygiene is also the main cause of bad breath. If you do not remove bacteria from your mouth by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, they will grow, causing tooth decay and bad breath.
Gum Diseases: Your gums should not bleed when you floss. Neglecting teeth and oral health can cause gingivitis, a milder form of gum disease in which the gums become red, swollen, and bleed quickly. While gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. At this stage, gum disease can destroy the tissues and bones that support the teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Diabetes: Research shows that the link between diabetes and periodontitis may be two-way. Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis, and periodontitis can be a risk factor for diabetes. So, if you don’t maintain strong oral hygiene, then you are at higher risk of suffering from diabetes.
Heart Diseases: Several studies have revealed that gum disease and heart disease are interlinked due to bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream causing inflammation and increasing your chances of clots and blockages that lead to heart attacks.

What to expect before and during preventive dentistry?

If you visit your dentist for preventive dentistry, then you should expect that the following may be happening.

Your dentist will examine your mouth carefully and discuss your dental history whether you have already gone through any dental treatments or not
After that, he will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing plaque, tartar, bacteria, buff, and polishing your teeth
He will also floss your teeth so that they look brighter and beautiful
If the dentist suspects any hidden dental issues, he will ask you for an x-ray
After your teeth have been cleaned and an x-ray is taken, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tissue abnormalities
If he comes across any potential dental issue, he will discuss it with you while recommending the best treatment plan

What to expect after preventive dentistry?

The goal of preventive dentistry is to stop many oral health problems from developing before they become serious. After preventive dentistry, you should expect the following.

Go through the treatment your dentist has recommended
Practice strict oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day
Floss your teeth at least once a day
Avoid taking too much alcohol and smoking
Avoid taking colourful foods and beverages
Follow your dentist’s instructions
Visit your dentist regularly

How much does preventative dentistry cost?

The cost of preventive dentistry depends on the condition of your oral health and needs. However, on average, the cost of preventive dentistry ranges between £150 and £700.

Dental health plays an important role in your overall general health. Therefore, always keep your teeth clean by practising strict oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly.