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Preventive Dental Care Is Important For Both Your Oral And Overall Health

Staff | September 2020

They say prevention is better than cure. In dentistry, this proverb certainly rings true. So what exactly is preventive dental care? Simply put, it is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. To obtain optimal health, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dental home at least twice a year. 

The fall season is once again upon us and with that comes the rush for appointments. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to limit our care to emergency-only earlier this year. This means that many appointments were delayed to the latter part of 2020. So what does the delay of many of our regular springtime appointments mean? Not only are our appointments going to be filled quickly, but with the flu season around the corner, now is an excellent time to have your wellness appointment.  

As the year progresses, getting in now ahead of that wave of demand would be wise. We would like to gently remind you of our COVID-19 safety protocols as you book your appointments.

In addition to having a beautiful smile, here are some reasons why preventive care is so important:

• Early Detection of Disease

Preventive dentistry prevents people from developing dental problems later. Regular visits to your dentist can avoid or lessen the effects of: 

• Cavities 
• Gingivitis 
• Enamel loss
• Periodontitis

This, in turn, can reduce your risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health. Some health problems that may be linked to poor oral health are:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Respiratory disease
• Cancer

• Save You Money 

Even with dental insurance, the costs associated with poor oral hygiene can add up. While preventive dentistry may not completely eliminate your need for fillings, root canals, or dental implants, it can go a long way in reducing your need for these sometimes pricey treatments.

Preventive Dental Care Tips

For a healthy mouth, be sure to follow these preventive dental care steps:

• Brush and floss at least twice a day
• Eat a balanced diet that’s  low in sugar
• Use fluoridated toothpaste
• Change your toothbrush at least every 2 months or when the bristles are showing signs of wear and tear

Booking appointments with our practice will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy! We look forward to catering to the dental needs of you and your family soon!