“Prevention is always better than a cure.” Numerous dentists, like the ones in the Family Dentistry of Lake Worth dental practice reminds us that this belief is very important when it comes to matters of overall health. Preventive dentistry just as the name suggests deals with how to prevent dental problems. This form of dentistry is based on the fact that nearly all dental problems can be prevented if a person maintains good oral hygiene.
Why is preventive dentistry necessary?
If you ask any of Lake Worth dentist or dentists in the surrounding regions of South Florida to tell you what causes most of the dental problems, then I can assure you that they will tell you that most of their clients suffer from dental problems mainly because of poor oral hygiene.
The increase in dental emergency cases in Lake Worth has been caused by failure to brush and floss teeth on a regular basis and skipping dental visits. Many people only focus on oral hygiene when they suffer from dental problems.
Preventative dentistry deals with how dental problems can be prevented rather than how they can be treated. This form of dentistry is meant to help reduce the likelihood of experiencing dental ailments.
What does this form of dentistry include?
Preventive dentistry includes:
-Healthy diet
-Brushing and flossing on a regular basis
-Fluoride uses
-Patient education
-Injury protection
-Routine dental visits
Let’s discuss aspects of preventive dentistry that we have just mentioned:
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis
It is a good idea to brush and floss your teeth twice daily as this will help remove plaque from the teeth. If you don’t brush or floss on a regular basis, then it is more likely that plaque will build inside your mouth to create tartar, an acid-producing bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Although many people brush their teeth twice daily, it has been discovered that they mostly spend less than a minute doing so. Many dentists in Lake Worth will tell you that it is a good idea to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
Healthy diet
Apart from brushing and flossing on a regular basis, taking a healthy diet can also help prevent dental problems. Foods such as chicken, cheese, meat, nuts and so on can help prevent dental issues as they protect tooth enamel.
On the other hand, carbonated soft drinks and chocolates can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. A healthy diet will benefit your dental health and also help improve your overall health.
Patient education
Those who know the consequences of poor oral hygiene are more likely to prioritize dental health. Educating people on the importance of oral hygiene through platforms such as public forms, media, and other avenues can help instill oral hygiene habits and make people make an informed decision regarding their dental health.
Fluoride use
For more than 50 years, fluoride has been used to prevent tooth decay. Lake Worth’s water comes from Lake Okeechobee and is treated to make it safe for drinking and other public use. Adding fluoride to Lake Worth’s water works as a preventative measure for the whole community. Toothpaste, foams, and gels also contain fluoride.
Routine dental visits
Most of the dental problems only show major signs or symptoms when they reach an advanced stage. So, it is a good idea to visit a dentist every 6 months to identify any problems early enough. Dentists have tools and equipment required to perform a complete dental checkup and help treat any dental issues before they reach a serious stage.
Injury protection
An injury caused by an accident can have a negative impact on your dental health. Therefore, it is good to take appropriate care to save your teeth from injuries. Ensure that you wear a mouth guard whenever you play outdoor sports.
You should also wear a helmet when riding a bike to help you prevent serious injuries. There are many reputable dental offices in Lake Worth that educate their patients on the importance of preventive dentistry.
There is also a lot of information online that can help you know more about preventive dentistry. You can do your bit to raise awareness about preventive dentistry by sharing this article with your loved ones.