A Brief Introduction To Preventative Dentistry
When most people think of dental work, they think of long wait times, expensive services and frustrating, frequently recurring bookings. In the most extreme cases, dental conditions can result in hospitalisation. In Australia, in 2022-23, over 87,000 hospitalisations related to dental conditions could have been avoided with earlier treatment (AIHW).
By putting aside a little time each day and being consistent with your checkups, preventative dentistry lets you maintain an excellent state of oral health. All of this at substantially lower cost in the long run.
In this post, we’ll explore practices and treatments that have been scientifically proven to help you maintain your teeth and gums. Master these practices to avoid serious dental problems before they start.
A Quick Note:
You may have encountered the words ‘preventative’ and ‘preventive’ used when referring to day-to-day dental health. These words hold the same meaning and are used interchangeably by professionals. We’ll use ‘preventative’ for consistency.
What Is Preventative Dental Care?
Preventative dental care involves a combination of regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings and daily oral hygiene practices. It represents a comprehensive approach to oral health, focusing on warding off potential problems rather than addressing the symptoms when they arise.
Your dental care strategy may include:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Using mouthwash
- Periodic dental cleaning from a professional
- X-ray screenings
- Oral examinations
By maintaining regular care, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy, while identifying issues such as tooth decay and gum disease at an early stage. This helps make treatment both more simple and less costly.
The ultimate aim is to keep your natural smile well into later life through a comprehensive hygiene plan.
Key Benefits Of Preventative Dentistry
Early Detection of Potential Issues
With regular dental visits, your dentist can identify early signs of decay, gum disease or other potentially pricey oral health concerns. Tackling these issues is far easier when they are detected in their earlier stages. For example, a small cavity can be filled quickly and painlessly, whereas delaying treatment could require root canal treatment later on.
If you’re experiencing sensitivity in your teeth or suspect other issues are affecting your mouth, this doesn’t mean it’s too late. Contact your dentist as soon as possible before issues accrue.
Lower Long-term Treatment Costs
Preventative dental care pays off in the long run. Investing in preventative care will often significantly reduce the amount you’ll spend on dental treatments throughout your lifetime. For most dental problems, it’s more affordable to deal with issues before they fully develop.
Improved Overall Health
Maintaining good oral health is closely linked to your general wellbeing. By employing preventative measures, you’re safeguarding not just your mouth, but also reducing health risks associated with poor oral hygiene.
Some of these risks include:
- Cardiovascular disease (from gum infection bacteria)
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications.
The mouth is one of the main ways that bad bacteria enter your body. Without strong dental discipline, these bacteria quickly multiply in your mouth, potentially spreading through your body.
Preventative Dentistry Services
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are the foundation of preventative dentistry. Typically scheduled twice a year, these appointments combine a comprehensive examination with a thorough cleaning.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments serve to strengthen tooth enamel, helping to ward off decay. Your dentist will apply fluoride directly to the surface of your teeth.
Dental erosion occurs when enamel is lost, which leads to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to infection. While children benefit the most (in part due to a high-sugar diet), this treatment is suitable for patients of any age.
Dental Sealants
Sealants offer a protective shield for teeth, being especially useful for those hard-to-reach areas. Your dentist may apply these sealants to molars to help prevent food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in deep grooves. As well as reducing the chance of infection, this keeps your breath fresh.
Sealants last for up to 5 years, requiring occasional replacement. Most dentists recommend applying them every 2-4 years, though this may vary based on the sealant used and lifestyle factors.
X-rays and Oral Cancer Screenings
X-rays are one of the strongest tools in the dentist’s arsenal. They are able to assist the dentist in identifying issues that other approaches cannot. Oral cancer screenings can catch potentially severe conditions during their early stages, while treatment is still possible.
It’s recommended to ask for an oral cancer screening once every three years for those aged between 20 and 40 and annually for those 40 and older. These screenings are usually brief and are not invasive.
Who Is Preventative Dentistry For?
Preventative dentistry is for everyone!
For Adults
For adults, a proactive approach to dental hygiene is an investment in your smile and your health as well. Consistent check-ups deter common problems, such as untreated cavities developing into gum disease, long before these become costly and painful to address.
Common lifestyle factors like coffee or wine stains and stress-related teeth grinding mean care should not be neglected. For the latter, your dentist may prescribe you a mouthguard to use at night to reduce the damage.
For Seniors
As we age, oral health presents unique challenges. With preventative dental care, seniors can keep their natural teeth longer and preserve the quality of any dental work. Many seniors mistakenly believe tooth loss is inevitable. However, with preventative measures, maintaining oral health is very achievable in most cases.
For Children and Teens
Starting dental care young isn’t just about catching cavities, it’s about setting up your children for life. Most cases of dental anxiety stem from bad experiences when young. Unfortunately, many parents misunderstand check-ups to only be necessary when a problem arises, leading children to associate dental visits with discomfort, scolding and missing out on time with their friends. Instead, invest in regular preventative check-ups to aid their development and to catch potential issues early.
Conclusion
Embracing a proactive approach to your teeth is the key to living a life free from sudden toothaches and costly dental procedures. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, schedule your preventative dental check-up today and start building a foundation for lifelong oral health.