The Benefits of Preventive Dental Care
The best way to ensure that your teeth remain healthy throughout your entire life is to practice good preventive dental care. But this goes much further than that. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene can have a positive effect on other aspects of your health as well like having a healthy digestive system and a well-functioning heart. So, what is preventive dentistry, what services come under dental preventive care services, and what are its benefits? As you continue reading, you will find answers to all these questions!
What is preventive dentistry?
Dentistry that focuses on preventing dental problems rather than treating them is called preventive dentistry. It’s a combination of going to the dentist for checkups on a regular basis and forming healthy habits like brushing and flossing regularly. It’s important to take care of your teeth as soon as your initial teeth start to appear and it’s important to continue doing so for your entire life.
What kinds of services are offered in preventive dental care?
Preventive dentistry is an umbrella term and the services offered under it can vary from dentist to dentist. It can also depend on the services that are required by your teeth. But if we generalize, services related to preventive dentistry may include the following:
- Oral examinations on a consistent schedule, usually once every six months
- Brushing one’s teeth and dental cleaning
- Routine X-rays
Depending on the type of dental plan that you have, you might receive full coverage for preventive care under your dental insurance.
What are the advantages of having preventive dental work done?
Your oral health can benefit in a number of ways from having regular preventive dental exams. Here are some reasons why preventive dental work is so important:
- Dentist recommendations state that people should get routine preventive dental work done every 6 months to help reduce the chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental issues. Also, getting regular cleanings and check-ups can help detect any signs of problems early on when they are easier to treat. Preventive dentistry doesn’t just benefit those who are at risk for developing dental problems; it’s also important for those who don’t have any dental concerns. By getting preventive care regularly, everyone in a family can help keep their mouths healthy and happy!
- Preventive dental work like flossing and brushing teeth on a regular basis can promote healthy oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice a day is the most important step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth, which helps to prevent tooth decay. It is also important for people who have dental insurance because it can save them money in the long run.
- Preventive dental work is key to catching dental problems in their early stages. In fact, getting preventive dental work done on a regular basis, can potentially save you money in the long run. By catching problems early, you can avoid more serious dental issues down the line. <
- Allows your dentist to conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, jaw, neck, and other areas to identify any problems that may be related.
- Contributes to the reduction of dental problems caused by a variety of chronic medical conditions. Dental and oral health can be negatively impacted by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and eating disorders.
- Regular preventive dental care is an essential component of whole-person health, particularly for individuals living with chronic conditions. Oral health is a key factor in overall well-being, and it can play a role in preventing or managing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, oral health conditions are the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. But, thanks to the modern-day dental solutions, you can easily avoid such chronic issues.
- Preventive dental work can also prevent painful tooth decay and other oral health problems.
- By getting preventive care regularly, you may be able to avoid any potential severe repairs or replacements down the line.
- Regular preventive care also allows your dentist to keep an eye on your oral health and recommend any necessary changes or enhancements to your oral care routine as needed.
Do all dental plans cover preventive dental care services?
Many dental plans include coverage for preventative dental care because of its significance to an individual’s overall health. When selecting a dental plan, it is important to look for details concerning the coverage provided for diagnostic and preventive services. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the parameters for preventative care. Take, for instance:
Teeth cleanings: If you have dental insurance, you might only be covered for two cleanings per year, one every six months.
Fluoride treatments:Fluoride treatments are only considered to be preventative for children who have not yet reached a certain age.
X-rays: Only specific kinds of X-rays, typically bitewing X-rays, are covered as preventive or routine care, and only for a limited number of views.
What kind of dentist provides preventive dental care for their patients?
There is a wide variety of dental care practices and specialized dentists available today. Those who offer preventive dental care include the following:
General dentist
A dentist who treats patients of all ages is also known as a family dentist or general dentist. When you require routine preventive care, such as regular teeth cleanings, exams, and X-rays, you should make an appointment with these dentists. They also specialize in performing fillings and provide various other forms of basic dental care. Your general dentist’s primary responsibility is to instruct and guide you on the best way to take care of your teeth and gums. They will be able to identify any potential problems before they become significant, will assist you in developing healthier habits, and will refer you to dental specialists if you require further treatment.
Pediatric dentist
Pediatric dentists are dentists who specialize in providing dental care for children. They are also called children’s dentists. The majority of children will begin receiving dental care at some point, typically around the time that their first tooth erupts. A pediatric dentist will typically continue to treat children even after they reach their teenage years in many cases. A pediatric dentist will provide preventive dentistry services in addition to more specialized care when it is required. This may include procedures such as extractions, fillings, and oral surgery in certain circumstances.
Wrapping Up
It is a common saying that prevention is better than cure, and this is a statement that perfectly fits with preventive dental care. If you want to ensure that your teeth last forever then it is important that you invest in your oral health from time to time. There are several options under preventive dentistry that can be done to ensure that your teeth remain in the best of their condition at all times. At Plano Top Dental, you don’t need to worry about your oral health as our team of seasoned and highly professional dentists will ensure that you get to experience world-class services. Scroll through our website to schedule an appointment right away at dentist in Plano and take the first step to ensure good oral health! Xerostomia is another name for dry mouth. It happens when your mouth’s salivary glands don’t create enough saliva. Your mouth will feel parched or dry as a result of this disease. Additionally, it may result in symptoms like cracked lips, poor breath, and a dry throat. Learn more about Dry Mouth: Causes, Effects, And Prevention.
Give Us a Call!
Are you looking for Dentist in Plano, TX? Call Plano Top Dental for a free consultation by calling (469) 529-6820. Also you can book an appointment for dental services. We’re located at 8000 Coit Rd #200, Plano, TX 75025. Read our dental care blogs to get more information.