Many people only make the effort to go to the dentist when they absolutely have to. This can be for a few reasons. Either visiting the dentist is their worst nightmare, money is tight, or perhaps they just do not see the need unless there is a problem.
However, this is not the best approach when it comes to dentistry, even in terms of potential issues. Preventative measures will always be better than solutions, and this is where preventative dentistry comes in.
Read this piece to find out what preventative dentistry is, and why you should be putting it first.
Prevention Over Cure
Many people think it is easy to just pop to the dentist to have a filling, and while this may be true in some cases, there are many factors that can often be overlooked. Of course, money can be an issue when it comes to the initial visit to the dentist, but fillings also need to be replaced as years go by—meaning that if you have a cavity that needs to be filled, the likelihood is that you will need to keep having it replaced for the rest of your life.
There are many procedures that can help with the prevention of dental issues, which can also be used to help keep your mouth healthy in general:
See the Hygienist
Seeing the hygienist is portrayed as a luxury, but in reality it is an essential that should be undertaken one to two times a year. The hygienist will help get rid of any scaling, which is built-up tartar on the tooth. This can cause problems in the long run. Tartar is essentially a hard substance which nestles between the teeth and can cause discoloration and stains on the tooth. This is commonly caused by drinking tea, coffee, and coke—or smoking—and is more common in those who do not floss.
The tartar build up can only be removed by a professional, so think about making an appointment to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Always go to a trusted professional such as SV Dental Centre for any of your preventative dental needs.
Attend Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups are the best way to help prevent cavities from happening in the first place, as dentists are able to spot when one might be forming and give you advice on how you can prevent it from getting any worse.
It is not just cavities they can spot or prevent, either—they can also help you prevent gum disease, and even give you information on your overall health, as the mouth can be a telling sign.
If you see your dentist regularly, they can also advise you on your own teeth with a personalized plan, and let you know what you need to be focusing on in particular to keep your mouth fresh and happy!
If you are worried there is a problem with your teeth or gums, or you have spotted a small hole, or have an unusual feeling, do not wait to get it checked out. Make sure you book yourself in to the dentist asap to treat the problem.
