The Importance of Seeing a Preventive Dentist Regularly
Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before they start.
Why patients should see a preventive dentist frequently
Seeing a preventive dentist does not usually take more than an hour. It is an investment in the future of one’s smile so it lasts as long as possible. Reasons that patients should see a preventive dentist regularly include the following.
To keep the smile bright
When the enamel of the teeth gradually wears away due to bacteria and plaque, it exposes the dentin underneath. It is naturally a yellowish color, which can lead to a discolored smile as the dentin increasingly shows through. Patients who want to keep their smile bright for as long as possible should regularly visit the preventive dentist for cleanings.
To catch problems early
Many oral health problems do not cause symptoms at first. So, pulp infections, tooth cracks, cavities, and many other issues — including oral cancer — may lie dormant for a long time. By the time that discomfort or unusual symptoms do arise, the issue could be more difficult to treat.
Preventive dentists will do a comprehensive examination of the patient's mouth to spot issues early. This enables them to recommend treatment that can still be minimally invasive wherever possible.
To maintain a comprehensive history
Patients who visit the preventive dentist frequently have an advantage over those who do not: history. When the dentist can track developments in a patient’s dentition over time, they are much more likely to spot problematic changes or trends.
Compare this to a patient who rarely visits the dentist. The dental professional will need to start essentially from the beginning each time, robbing the patient of the advantage of having a long dental history to look back on.
To strengthen the teeth
Teeth are strong because they are made of calcium-supported enamel, which is known to be the strongest substance in the human body. However, it will not stay this way if it is not properly cared for.
A preventive dentist has many methods for keeping the teeth strong. Removing bacterial buildup through scaling and cleaning is one option, but patients can also opt for fluoride treatments. The fluoride leaches into the enamel and provides additional support against bacterial decay so the teeth are more resilient.
Schedule your preventive dentist visit
If you are overdue for a visit to the preventive dentist, you might be putting it off because you would rather spend your time on other things. Everyone has busy seasons, but you could be doing lasting damage to your mouth and teeth by avoiding the dentist. Contact our office to commit to a single hour of your day in service of your teeth so they last a lifetime!
Request an appointment here: https://austinprimarydental.com or call Austin Primary Dental at (512) 808-5651 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventive Dentist in Austin, TX.
Recent Posts
Many people do not know that regular dental checkups are the most important preventive dentistry procedures against oral cancer. The dentist’s objective is to prevent and diagnose any issue as early as possible, when treatment is easier. Preventive dentistry is all about keeping the oral cavity healthy for a long time. Oral cancer screening is…
Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your mouth healthy in order to save you money. It starts with you taking good care of your mouth at home by brushing at least two times per day, flossing daily, and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Preventive dentistry also includes procedures performed…
A visit to our dental office is probably the single most effective way to prevent infections, cavities, and oral diseases. We have found that people who visit the dental office on a regular basis have significantly fewer problems with their teeth. When you come to our dental office at least once every six months, we…
For anyone who grinds his or her teeth at night, there are possible options for at-home treatment. Grinding teeth can wear down the tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Since the teeth grinding occurs at night, it can be difficult for the individual to prevent it without extra assistance. We can determine your specific needs…