[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s the philosophy behind preventative medicine. Preventative dentistry stops oral health problems from developing, keeping your teeth healthier for longer.
What is preventative dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is a general term encapsulating a range of oral health measures designed to stop infection, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. It involves things like regular dental checkups, developing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, and making sure that children start taking care of their teeth as early as possible.
Practically everyone can benefit from preventative dentistry. However, children stand to gain the most. Many dentists, for instance, offer dental sealants (to prevent cavities from developing in their molars) and topical fluoride treatments to keep teeth hard and prevent decay.
For older adults, preventative dental care usually involves strategies to help keep natural teeth healthy. These might include removing infections via root canals and providing strategies to prevent periodontal infection – a leading cause of tooth loss.
The benefits of preventative dentistry
Taking advantage of preventative dentistry offers patients living in Nashville, Tennessee, tremendous benefits. For instance, it can greatly reduce the chances of developing gum infections, such as gingivitis. And it can prevent them from developing into more serious conditions, such as periodontitis.
Preventative dentistry can also reduce the risk of some secondary problems associated with gum disease. These include certain types of cancers, respiratory diseases, diabetes and heart disease.
In children, researchers link premature birth and low birth weight with poor oral health. So if your child fits into these categories, you may wish to begin taking them for checkups early in their lives, as soon as teeth begin to come through.
Preventative dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee also offers practical benefits. It is generally far less expensive to prevent oral health problems from emerging in the first place compared with treating them. So getting into good habits early in life is a great way to stop costs and discomfort from mounting later on.
Preventative dentistry can’t completely eliminate the need for root canals and fillings. But it can reduce the likelihood that you will need these treatments in the future.
Preventative dental services at West Meade Dental
We offer a wide range of preventative dentistry at West Meade Dental. Our routine cleanings, for instance, allow you to get rid of plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth that you can’t remove via regular brushing alone. The American Dental Association recommends that patients get routine professional cleanings once every six months or so. Hygienists remove calcified plaque, preventing it from slipping down between the teeth and gums and causing periodontal infections. After a treatment, your teeth will look smooth and beautiful.
Patients in Nashville, Tennessee, can also take advantage of our fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a natural mineral which helps to keep tooth enamel strong. We can apply extra fluoride beyond that contained in regular toothpaste to enhance tooth hardness and make teeth more resistant to decay. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
