That preemptive and preventive care is easier and significantly less painful to implement than corrective measures is simply a fact. This is particularly true of dental health. With a few simple preventive steps and some committed, routine upkeep, most (if not all) of the painful complications and the most expensive and time-consuming dental treatments can rather easily be avoided.
Today, we’re looking at simple steps that you can proactively take to save yourself a lot of time, money, and dental discomfort in the future.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is comprised of a range of simple measures and techniques that can serve to prevent serious dental health issues in the future.
Included in preventive dentistry are things that we can do at home, like brushing and flossing regularly and properly, rinsing antibacterial mouthwash, limiting, especially sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and steering clear of tobacco products.
Every bit as vital is regular dental exams, which allow a dentist to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums, quickly address minor issues, and identify risk factors for potentially serious issues like gum disease or oral cancer.
What Does Preventive Dentistry Prevent?
Simply, poor (or non-existent) preventive care can have disastrous effects on a person’s oral health. Simply taking your teeth for granted when they’re healthy can have some serious negative consequences:
- Cavities – if left untreated, can grow, erode tooth enamel, and expose a tooth’s delicate internal “pulp” to possible infection, which is extremely painful and requires root canal therapy or a tooth extraction to treat.
- Gum disease – poor oral hygiene can also result in gum disease, which begins with swelling, tenderness, and irritation and can progress to bleeding, abscesses (pockets of pus), tooth loss, and even jawbone infection.
- Oral cancer – Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to identify any potential signs of cancer in your mouth, gums, lips, and lymph nodes in their early stages, dramatically increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry in Apple Valley, MN
If you are in Apple Valley and want to be sure that you and everyone of all ages in your family are routinely taking the necessary precautions to ensure your long-term oral health and avoid issues like plaque, tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay, contact dentists Dr. Katie Nordeen and Dr. Kyle Nordeen and the team at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment!