The primary goal of preventive dentistry is to properly care for teeth and gums through education and treatment. Keep teeth healthy to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more.
Optimal oral health enhances our ability to speak, smile, eat, and show our emotions through facial expressions. Although exercising proactive oral health care is an essential part of our everyday lives, it is taken for granted.
But just how important is preventive dentistry? Below is a more in-depth look into just how vital the practice of preventive oral health care is to your dental health and overall well-being.
The Value of Early Prevention
For children, preventive dental care is especially important. Healthy baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, not only help young children chew and speak properly, but they set the stage for strong, long-lasting adult teeth and a lifetime of good oral health.
Care for your youngsters growing dental structures properly by brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental checkups. This will help prevent the development of tooth decay and diseases, in addition to teaching children healthy habits.
How Optimal Oral Health Connects to Whole Body Health
With strong oral hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other severe dental problems. A healthy oral environment can also reduce the chances of secondary issues caused by poor oral health.
More and more clinical evidence is suggesting that oral and overall health are closely linked. The overabundance of harmful plaque build-up that develops periodontal disease has been shown to greatly contribute to whole body health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, some forms of cancer, and pregnancy complications.
What You Can Do to Ensure a Healthier Smile
There are many forms of preventive density, such as daily brushing and professional dental cleanings. To help maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends visits to your dentist about every six months, depending on your current oral health. These practices are designed to ensure teeth stay clean, strong, and radiant.
Here are a few vital steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy:
Brush Your Teeth Daily- the most important part of preventive dentistry is to brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste. You should replace your toothbrush three to four times a year. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as this will remove harmful bacteria and freshen your breath.
Floss Daily- flossing helps clean away plaque and left-over food debris in the tight spaces between teeth, where normal brushing cannot.
Eat A Balanced Diet- consuming a nutrient-rich diet will help protect your teeth by providing them with the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. It is recommended to limit your sugar intake, including simple carbohydrates. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Visit Your Dentist – visiting your dental professional every six months is essential to your oral and overall health. Dental cleanings and examinations allow dentists to identify both dental complications and possible underlying health problems and properly treat them right away.
At Highland Dental Center, Drs. Richard Barnes and Daniel Theurer, along with their knowledgeable team, understand the importance of professional dental care. We encourage you to contact our compassionate Salt Lake City office today to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one!