Preventive Dental Care Makes a Big Difference

Oral hygiene is one of those things where you don't fully understand its importance until you see the consequences of ignoring it. It's much better to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning -- it makes a huge difference to the long-term health and appearance of your teeth.

What is Preventive Dental Care?

Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine professional cleanings are the base to preventive dental care. Simply put, it's all the things you—and your dentist—do to keep your teeth healthy and free from decay and other problems.

Note that your dentist is an important part of the equation. Even if you brush and floss on a daily basis, professional cleaning is still extremely important. Professional cleaning is needed to remove any tartar that has built up on your teeth, especially along the gum line.

As well as the cleaning, your dentist can provide several other important preventive services:

• Dental x-rays are valuable diagnostic tools that detect tooth decay, loss of jaw bone mass in older people, jaw development problems in children poor tooth alignment.. They can also detect the early signs of cancerous growth, as well as non-cancerous tumors.
• Fluoride treatment and dental sealants strengthen teeth and guard against decay. These are especially useful for small children who are still learning how to take care of their oral health.
• Mouth guards prevent tooth damage caused by grinding and jaw-clenching. Oral appliances can also be used to treat temporomandibular joint pain and sleep apnea.

Why is it Important?

The preventive services your dentist provides are extremely important to your oral health, and in fact to your overall health—when your teeth and gums are unhealthy your general health is often affected too. Regular professional cleaning and maintenance from your dentist helps to:

• Keep teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar
• Reduce the risk of infection and gum disease
• Catch potential problems early and treat them before they become serious

Are You Due for a Checkup?

Your needs will vary depending on your overall oral health, but in general, it's best to visit your dentist for preventive services at least twice a year. If it's been six months or more since your last visit, don't hesitate to make an appointment—your teeth are worth the effort!

Contact Jackson L Anderson, DDS to schedule an appointment or visit his website, www.jacksonandersondds.com for more information.