Being Proactive with Your Oral Health:
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry
For many people, the idea of visiting the dentist causes stress and anxiety; for others, dentist visits may just feel like a chore. There are many reasons why patients put off dental care, from busy schedules and concerns over costs to fear of pain or a lack of control. However, it’s important to understand that preventive care can actually save time, money, and pain in the long run.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to oral health care that focuses on preventing dental issues (like tooth decay and gum disease) and catching developing they’re minor and easier to treat. The ultimate goal is to minimize the need for more extensive dental work and to help you have a life-long healthy smile.
You might not realize it, but every time you brush and floss, you’re engaging in preventive dentistry! Practicing good oral hygiene at home is fundamental for preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and other oral health concerns, but it’s just one facet of preventive dentistry.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to schedule regular dental exams, x-rays, and professional cleanings. These routine visits allow us to examine and clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than what you’re able to do at home. We also give you tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, foods and beverages you may want to avoid, and other helpful things that will help keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Why It’s Better to Be Proactive
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Prevention is better than the cure?” This definitely holds true in dentistry! Preventive dental care not only reduces the risk of cavities and other oral health issues but also lowers the chances of associated medical conditions, like heart disease, kidney disease, and even some cancers.
For example, let’s say you have a small cavity starting to develop. During your regular dental checkup, your dentist spots it and promptly takes action by placing a filling. The filling effectively stops the decay and prevents further damage to that area of the tooth.
If you rarely visit the dentist or only make appointments when you have a serious issue, like tooth pain, that small cavity, left unchecked, will become larger over time. Eventually, it may progress to the point where you have a severely decayed tooth that can only be addressed with root canal treatment or an extraction.
The key takeaway here is that preventive dentistry helps you prevent the very things that cause many people to avoid the dentist in the first place!
Preventive care is more economical and less time-consuming than restorative procedures like crowns or dental implants. Dental anxiety is often related to a fear of pain, but modern dentistry prioritizes comfort. Oral health issues like severe tooth decay, infections, and gum disease can cause significant pain; preventive dentistry significantly lowers the risk of developing these issues and experiencing pain in the future.
Believe it or not, preventive dentistry can also help with anxiety, too! Regular visits to the dentist can help you build trust and rapport with your dentist. Even if you’ve had bad experiences in the past, finding a dentist you feel comfortable with can go a long way in helping you overcome fear and anxiety. Dental sedation(a.k.a sleep dentistry) can also be a great option for helping you feel relaxed and anxiety-free during your visit.
Of course, our smiles also play a role in our confidence and self-image. Oral health issues like bad breath or discolored teeth can make it hard to feel comfortable in social settings. Preventive dentistry can help you prevent these issues from happening before they start.
Buzza Dental Group: Your Path to a Healthier Smile
At Buzza Dental Group, we know that visiting the dentist isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but we’re committed to changing your perception of dentistry. Our goal is to create a compassionate, positive, and stress-free environment where you feel like a valued member of our family. We’re all about honesty, empathy, and, if you need it, second opinions–because your well-being is our top priority!
So if you’ve been postponing your dental care, now is the perfect time to take a proactive step towards a healthier smile and a brighter future. Reach out to us today at (707) 573-0600 or request an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you!
