5 Ways Preventative Dentistry Stops Big Problems Before They Cost You a Fortune
Did you know that preventative dentistry could help you achieve your dream smile?
We all want to have pristine, perfect teeth, don’t we? Unfortunately, life doesn’t always work that way. Accidents happen, life throws an intense round of depression your way, or genetics didn’t smile down on you. True, sometimes things happen that you can’t avoid, but we have good news. Some of these issues can be avoided entirely! In fact, that’s why Monroe Family Dentistry specializes in preventative dentistry. The goal is to stop those big problems before they get hold of your pocketbook when they create massive problems down the line.
To Monroe Family Dentistry, preventative dentistry is common sense. It’s simply doing what is needed to prevent further issues. For a lot of people, this starts by keeping up with their regular dental care. Many patients are surprised to learn that maintaining their bi-yearly appointments is the trick that helps them avoid those expensive, complex treatments later on.
Routine checkups catch issues early.
One thing is for certain: Our lives feel busier than ever before. You’re always rushing the kids to their next appointment or game, running late to that meeting at work, or struggling to get to the dinner you scheduled with your in-laws. With a chaotic life, it can feel next to impossible to maintain those regular dental appointments. Your teeth feel fine, so why do you need to worry about another appointment?
These bi-yearly dental appointments are important, even if you don’t feel like anything is wrong. Regular checkups are the best way to keep your teeth and mouth truly healthy. It’s way more than just a tooth brushing session. Your dental team works hard to detect any small cavities that could be trying to form. If there are any tiny cracks in the enamel, we will be able to spot those as well. Let’s not forget those gums! Early signs of gingivitis are also on our radar.
Catching any of these problems early makes them significantly easier to treat. In fact, we can sometimes prevent the issues entirely!
Professional cleanings remove hidden buildup.
Professional cleanings are more than just a generic tooth brushing session, but even that step shouldn’t be overlooked. Yes, we brush your teeth, but it’s so much more than that. Our dental hygienists remove tartar and plaque that brushing at home can’t. We’re talking about the hidden gunk that you didn’t even know was hiding back there. Even if you weren’t aware that it was building up, it was eating away at your enamel. Removing this problematic layer goes a long way to protecting your teeth and gums from decay.
Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel.
Prevention is the goal when it comes to professional cleanings. Fluoride treatments are an amazing way to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Over time, our enamel tends to grow weaker. Sometimes this is due to how we treat our teeth, other times it’s simply due to age. The problem is, once that enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced. Thankfully, what’s still there can be strengthened.
This is exactly what fluoride does. It works by depositing minerals back into the tooth, strengthening that enamel to help prevent cavities and sensitivity. This is a very common preventative treatment for children, but did you know that fluoride is an option for adults as well?
Dental sealants protect vulnerable surfaces.
Dental sealants are a secret weapon many people use to fight against tooth decay. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto your molars. They are then cured with a special light allowing them to act as an extra shield against decay. Sealants are especially helpful for those with extra deep grooves in their molars.
Early gum care prevents tooth loss.
What about those gums? Your gums are an incredibly important component of your dental health. At your regular dental appointments, your gums will be closely monitored for gingivitis. Gingivitis can hide for quite some time with only mild swelling or bleeding as the symptoms. Catching it early means it’s easier to reverse the problem before it has a chance to turn into advanced gum disease.
Ready for a healthier smile?
Regular dental appointments do so much more than people think. Sure, the dental hygienists brush your teeth and find any hidden tartar, but every step of the way, the team is watching for anything that could become a problem in the future. This way, they can save you time, money, and discomfort by preventing bigger issues.
Do you already have your next dental cleaning on the schedule? If not, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your next exam or cleaning with Monroe Family Dentistry. Remember, our goal is to prevent any problems so that it is easier on both your teeth and your wallet.
