Obtaining adequate and timely preventive dental care, including regular exams and cleanings, will help you to achieve optimal oral health. Preventive care can also be cost-effective, helping the patient to avoid complex, expensive treatments for more advanced oral diseases.

Most preventive care is painless. The process begins with an extensive cleaning, generally performed by a dental hygienist, in which any accumulated plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and gums. You should schedule dental cleanings every six months to keep plaque and tartar at bay. The bacteria found in plaque can promote decay and gum disease if it’s not removed from the mouth regularly.

After your teeth have been cleaned, the dentist will examine them visually for any obvious signs of decay or disease. Periodically, your dentist also will take x-rays, which offer better views of the teeth and bone, to determine if you have any concerns that are not visible to the naked eye.

Preventive care is not limited to the dental office. Your home oral hygiene habits go a long way toward maintaining your oral health. Brushing and flossing help to mitigate the buildup of plaque and bacteria. It’s virtually impossible to prevent that accumulation completely, though, which is why it is still important to get regular cleanings regardless of how dedicated you are to brushing and flossing.

If you get regular preventive care, you can limit the effects of tooth decay and gum disease before they lead to bone loss, which can be an outcome if these conditions go untreated.

The benefits of preventive dental care aren’t restricted to the mouth, either. Advanced gum disease has been linked to other problems throughout the body, such as diabetes, heart disease and pre-eclampsia.

Technological advances in dentistry are helping patients keep their natural teeth throughout their lives, and preventive dental care is an important part of that process. It is important to schedule regular appointments with a dentist serving Washington Park to protect and promote your oral health. Contact our dentistry team today to receive the dental care you deserve.