Preventive dentistry is part of a network of preventive healthcare practices. Simply put, preventive healthcare practices involve taking active measures to prevent a disease before it occurs. This can involve eating healthier to avoid the onset of heart disease, or by going for regular checkups and screenings to catch symptoms early.
These active measures can help you increase your overall health and save you the stress, money, and time of dealing with and recovering from diseases and complications that could have been avoided in the first place. There are three levels of preventive care: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary involves avoiding the development of a disease in a healthy person, for example, using a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities. Secondary includes early disease detection to prevent the disease worsening, for example, getting cavities filled and removing plaque. Tertiary involves reducing the negative impact of an already-established disease such as getting dentures.
When it comes to preventive dentistry, patients must have to be responsible for their oral hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, going for regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and routine x-rays.
How Can I Contribute to Preventive Dental Care?
As previously mentioned, preventive dental care starts with the individual. Developing healthy dental habits throughout your life is important to reduce costly procedures and avoidable complications from coming up, as well as keeping issues such as gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis at bay. Some ways to take care of your teeth include:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Brushing with proper technique
- Being careful when eating hard foods
- Using a good mouthwash
- Making appointments at the dentist for routine preventive care
What Are the Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?
In addition to its health benefits, preventive dentistry saves you stress and money. Preventative dentistry also:
- Helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, along with a host of other dental problems
- Promotes effective oral hygiene habits
- Identifies dental problems early on in order to minimize treatment
When we take a proactive approach to our health, we won’t need to deal with advanced medical emergencies down the line. Being proactive involves action, education, and dedication all at once, as well as knowing yourself and your oral hygiene. If you have dental insurance, find out what’s covered. Take advantage of your insurance, as some plans offer full coverage for preventive care, which could include two teeth cleanings a year, fluoride treatments, as well as certain kinds of x-rays.
Your dentist or dental clinic will be able to give you the information you need to form better preventive dentistry habits. Rock Hill dentistry is a reputable service that will help elevate your dental health through preventive dentistry methods. Through Rock Hill dentistry, the aim is to provide comprehensive treatment and care to achieve your oral health goals and foster a healthy smile.
You can opt for teledentistry/virtual screenings where you can talk with board-certified dentists about any concerns or questions you have about your dental health.
