As the name suggests, preventive dentistry is focused on regular check-ups and treatments that prevent dental issues such as gum disease and cavities. By taking a preventive approach to your oral hygiene, you can minimize your risk of developing these issues in the first place, rather than having to deal with them once they’ve appeared.

The steps involved in preventive dentistry cover a wide variety of techniques, ranging from the things you do at home – like twice-daily brushing and daily flossing – to attending your regular dental appointments and having potential issues diagnosed and treated as early as possible. The goal of preventive dentistry is to keep issues such as gum disease, cavities, tooth sensitivity, worn-down enamel, and other oral health issues at bay, so that you can go through life with the benefit of better dental health.

At its core, preventive dentistry is essentially the practice of routinely cleaning, examining, and taking care of your teeth in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, worn enamel, and more.

Preventive dentistry is for anyone of any age. From childhood to your senior years, preventive dental care can spare you the pain and discomfort of oral health problems, while saving you time and money by avoiding the need for treatment.

Preventive dentistry in children can help to ensure their teeth and mouth develop correctly, while in adults, preventive methods such as regular cleaning and dental check-ups can help to detect early signs of oral diseases.

In addition, patients who are immunocompromised – particularly elderly patients – will benefit from regular dental visits to prevent oral health conditions from causing other health complications.

By taking preventive steps towards your oral health, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, periodontitis, and other common dental issues. The benefits of preventive dentistry go far beyond healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. By minimizing your chance of developing these oral conditions, you’ll also reduce your risk of developing other health problems that are linked to poor dental health.

These can include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke

Another benefit of preventive dentistry is the fact that it can save you time and money, as undergoing dental treatment to address serious oral health issues can be costly and time- consuming.