The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Good oral health means a lot to us. It allows us to show more emotion through facial expressions, communicate with others, and eat any food we want. Developing preventive habits early in life will lead to better oral health, a more attractive smile, and improved quality of life.

However, many people aren’t willing to see a dentist until a problem develops. That’s why 25% of adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. Visiting a dentist on regular occasions would allow you to bypass this problem and keep a healthy smile. 

Here at Forest Lake Smiles, we take preventive dentistry seriously. That’s why today, we’re going to explain how important it is.
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What Exactly Is Preventive Dentistry?

What falls into preventive dentistry? Everything from regularly visiting your dentist to keeping up your teeth cleaning routine. Paying attention to your oral health will allow you to save energy, time, and money. If you don’t watch out, you may end up losing every single tooth in your mouth. A full reconstruction of your mouth may end up costing you $80,000. 

Brushing and flossing can reduce your risk of dental inflammation, gum disease, periodontitis, diabetes, as well as respiratory diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Serious problems like heart failure can also be reduced by oral health. Most surprisingly, preventive dentistry can lessen the chance of developing certain cancers.
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What is Considered Preventive Dentistry?

Preventative dentistry is not only about what you do in the dentist’s chair, it includes what you can do at home too. Some of the most important practices include:

• Brushing your teeth at least 2 times a day and replacing your toothbrush every 6 months is the best way to keep oral hygiene on a high level.
  
  
• Dental x-rays are an effective way to discover microscopic problems, so they can be identified and more handled early.
  
  
• A healthy diet is essential for oral health. Make sure not to consume sugary foods as they will increase the likelihood of dental plaque. Avoid problems such as gum disease and jaw deterioration by consuming calcium-rich foods.
  
  
• Schedule visits with your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning sessions. You may not feel anything at first, but when dental problems go untreated they can result in further damage to your teeth or gums.
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What Are the Benefits of Preventive Dentistry?

Some people simply aren’t accustomed to visiting the dentist’s office multiple times a year. That’s fine, however, adults shouldn’t wait for more than 24 to make a dentist visit. And that’s only if your mouth and teeth have been perfectly healthy for a long time.

If you’re wondering why you should pay so much attention to all of this, here are a few more benefits of preventive dentistry:

• Less Money Spent: Taking care of your teeth at home is a lot cheaper than paying for dental procedures and surgeries. A small investment in preventive dental care can help you save a lot of money.
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• Fewer Dentist Visits: No one wants to spend a ton of time in the dentist's chair. By dedicating 10 to 15 minutes to brushing and flossing teeth, you won't have to worry about visiting your dental doctor every few months or so.
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• Fewer Problems in the Future: Keeping teeth and gums in healthy condition is a great way to avoid serious problems in the future. Treat small problems before they turn into large ones and avoid a lot of pain.
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Preventive Dentistry at Forest Lake Smiles

Forest Lake Smiles is proud to offer preventative dental care. Understanding your needs better is the first step to finding the right treatment plan. We want to learn more about your specific problem and find a treatment plan that’s perfect for you. To visit our office at 1068 Lake Street S, Suite 210, Forest Lake, contact us online or give us a call at (651)464-8207.