WHAT IS PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY? (AND HOW IT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY)
What if we said there was a way to visit the dentist less and also save money?
Less – as in less potential fillings and extractions – so you don’t have to make frequent trips to your dental office.
Sounds like a deal, right?
Well, the easy answer to fewer visits revolves around preventative dentistry, which in turn, helps you save money as well.
WHAT IS PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY?
“Preventative dentistry is simply the exercise of how you care for and maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, so you can potentially prevent or lessen dental problems.” – Dr. Jeremy Thomas
This form of preventative dentistry includes:
- Daily brushing
We recommend you brush your teeth twice a day, and don’t skimp on your tongue! The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria and brushing it will support an overall clean mouth and fresh breath.
(Tip: Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush/heads. When the bristles fray, you know it’s been too long; shoot for every 3 months.)
- Daily flossing
What happens to all the food you eat? Just floss your teeth and you might see the leftovers.
Daily flossing (twice a day when you brush) is helpful for the space between your teeth, especially if you have braces.
(Tip: At your next office visit, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate flossing for maximum benefit.)
- Maintain a healthy diet
Feed your teeth a healthy diet that’s chock-full of whole foods, water, vitamins and go easy on the sugar.
(Tip: Be aware of simple carbohydrates like fruit juices that can be sneaky sources of sugar.)
For a healthy mouth, we recommend a 6-month dental cleaning schedule. This will also help prevent, diagnose and treat any potential signs of cavities and gum disease.
(Tip: This will also assist in minimizing your dental care cost with the prevention and detection of any dental challenges.)
- Oral Cancer Screening (part of every examination at Integrity Dental)
We examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer, which may include red or white patches, sores that bleed easily or do not heal, thick or hard spots or lumps, roughened or crusted areas, and areas of numbness, pain or sensitivity.
(Tip: Communicate any oral health concerns with your dentist for early detection and effective treatment.)
BENEFITS OF PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY (AND HOW IT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY)
Preventative dentistry is beneficial for everyone – especially children who maintain a regular schedule and become comfortable with the dentist.
Regular visits will support developing teeth, as well as give the dentist and patient the opportunity to see dental problems coming before they become an emergency, and this will save you money.
Emergency dental work is more costly than preventative dental care.
When you practice healthy oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, you can potentially prevent cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, gum disease, as well as any secondary issues related to inadequate oral health like cancer, heart and respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Preventative dentistry is here to keep your mouth – and bank account – healthy!