Oral health problems can lead to serious consequences for overall wellness. Tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can result in pain, discomfort, and expensive restorative dental treatments. Moreover, these issues can impact other medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Preventative dental care can help to reduce the likelihood of these complications, which is why it is so important.
According to the UIC, preventative dental services are routinely performed by your dentist or a dental hygienist to help keep teeth healthy. These include:
* Routine X-rays to monitor changes in the growth of your teeth and jaws.
X-rays can detect and identify hidden abnormalities such as tooth decay and bone loss. In addition, X-rays can help to diagnose the development of cavities in between your teeth.
* Professional cleanings, also known as oral prophylaxis, to remove hardened bacterial dental plaque and to help you maintain good oral health.
Professional dental cleanings should be performed at least twice a year for adults and children. Flossing daily is also a vital part of your dental health routine, as it helps to remove food particles stuck in between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Other preventive dental care practices include:
* Sealants – plastic resins that harden on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
Approximately 80% of cavities in children can be prevented with sealants.
* Brushing and flossing correctly – two minutes, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste.
* Eating a balanced diet that includes dairy products and leafy vegetables to provide the nutrients needed to support strong bones and teeth.
* Limiting sugary snacks and sodas to help avoid tooth decay and erosion.
If you have an untreated toothache or other oral health issue, it can be very painful and cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. In addition, the infection can spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream, which can lead to a variety of other medical complications including heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.
Poor oral health is especially harmful for children, senior citizens, and those from underserved communities. They are more likely to miss school days due to tooth pain and trips to the dentist, which can hinder their education and social development.
Ultimately, preventative dental care can save you time and money in the long run by helping to avoid costly, painful, and unpleasant procedures like fillings or root canals. It can also reduce the risk of other serious medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and infections from abscesses. Visit Dr. Karen Rosen the no. 1 Torrance dentist for regular checkups, as most insurance plans will cover the costs or offer reduced co-pays on preventative services. We look forward to helping you keep your teeth in tip-top shape. You’ll love your smile and feel healthier, too.