Have you ever wondered how much you would have saved if you didn’t have to treat that cavity? Or undergo that cosmetic procedure to repair your cracked or broken teeth? Not that treating the cavity or cracked teeth isn’t that important, but what other choice do you have at that point.- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
And while you might be grumbling about the increasing cost of those proc Dentistry Is Not Expensiveedures, keep in mind that you could have avoided the whole process altogether if you had taken better care of your teeth. In fact, by practicing what is known as preventive treatment, you can save a lot more money and avoid a host of unwanted dental problems.
So, what exactly is preventive treatment for the teeth?
Preventive Treatment for the Teeth
Preventive treatment for the teeth is an all-inclusive term that covers all the activities you can undergo to take better care of your teeth. This includes activities like:
Eating a balanced diet
A balanced diet is not only important to your overall health but also to your dental health. Eating nutritious foods rich in calcium and phosphorus enriches your teeth with critical minerals needed to remineralize and strengthen your tooth enamel and gums.
Reducing sugar intake
You’ve probably heard that excess blood sugar can lead to diabetes. But did you know that increased sugar levels are also bad for your teeth and can cause cavities? Nonetheless, by reducing your sugar intake, you can circumvent the dangerous occurrence of cavities altogether.
Avoiding tobacco products
If you don’t want to have yellow teeth with nicotine stains all over, it’s only fair that you lay off smoking and other tobacco products. Staying away from tobacco products can save you from numerous trips to the dentist.
Brushing your teeth properly
Brushing is one activity that has become so common that many people now do it for only ceremonial purposes. However, what most people fail to understand is that it’s not enough to just brush your teeth casually, but that brushing has to be done properly to achieve its objective.
And no, the objective of brushing is not just to clear your mouth from the stenchful smell of morning breath but also to prevent your teeth and gums from undergoing further damage. Therefore, to brush your teeth properly, the first step is to have a proper brushing habit that involves brushing twice a day, once at night, and at any other time.
The next and most important step is to have a proper and functional brushing process. This involves brushing at a 45-degree angle to your gum line, using vertical circular motions to clean every corner of your mouth, and avoiding over brushing your teeth in an attempt to remove plaque.
Flossing after brushing- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
No matter how careful you brush or how much time you take while brushing, the truth is that there will always be food particles or plaque that is left behind. Flossing after brushing helps you clean any left-over food or plaque stuck in between your teeth.
These food particles are usually very small and are stuck in places inaccessible to your toothbrush’s bristles. So, if you haven’t flossed before, here’s how to go about it. First, get a string of dental floss from your dentist or over the counter.
Wind about 18 to 20 inches on one finger and use the finger on your other hand to secure the floss properly. Now place the floss in between any two of your teeth and use vertical rubbing motions to clean the teeth.
Repeat the procedure for the rest of your teeth until you’ve flossed completely. Sure, the process might seem tedious, but it’s definitely cheaper than spending huge amounts on dental surgery.
Using mouthwash- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
Using mouthwash might not seem very important to you, but it helps to protect your teeth and gums. Of course, not the cosmetic ones sold over the counter but the therapeutic ones. They also give you a clean, fresh minty breath while preventing you from having the dreaded mouth odor.
Ensuring adequate fluoride intake- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
Fluoride is one of the unsung heroes of dental health. They are present subtly in most drinking water and toothpaste without most people knowing it. But in case your drinking water doesn’t contain fluoride, ensure you use a fluoride-based toothpaste and consume foods like spinach and grapes that naturally contain fluoride.
Going for regular dental checkups- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
All the above points are very important, no doubt, but even when you do everything right, there are still some things that you can’t prevent. That’s where your dentist comes in. By going for regular dental checkups, your dentist can examine your teeth properly, clean your teeth, and help prevent any dental problems before they manifest.
Moreover, it’s not enough to only visit your dentist whenever you have a toothache or cavity; rather, it’s vital that you schedule regular checkups at least once every 3 or 6 months. Doing this will definitely save you from paying the costly price of neglect.
Importance of Preventive Treatment in Dentistry- Dentistry Is Not Expensive
Preventive treatment is an important aspect of dentistry. It helps you avoid or prevent the development of dental problems. It also helps you detect dental problems early and treat them accordingly.
Preventive treatment includes various measures like brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, consuming adequate fluoride, going for regular dental checkups, and other tips mentioned above. These measures will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent unwanted dental problems.
Benefits of Going to the Dentist Frequently
The benefits of going to the dentist frequently cannot be understated. Aside from it being a vital part of preventive treatment for your teeth, it also holds a myriad of benefits, some of which include:
- The dentist can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and spot early signs of dental problems. Regular checkups enable the dentist to clean your teeth and identify any issues at an early stage. This means that dental problems can be treated quickly and effectively before they have a chance to become more serious.
- Going to the dentist can also help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a condition where the gums become inflamed, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Having your teeth cleaned and checked regularly can reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
- Finally, seeing the dentist regularly gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your oral health. The dentist can advise you on how to brush and floss properly and recommend products that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
They can also advise you on what to do if you experience any problems with your teeth or gums. And more importantly, they can save you from paying the costly price of neglect.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the popular saying a stitch in time saves nine still holds true to this day, even in regards to dentistry and your dental health. By taking proper care of your teeth and visiting the dentist regularly, you can save time and money by avoiding the costly price of advanced dental treatments.
However, if you have any questions regarding your dental health or need a professional dentistry to help guide you through the stormy waters of your dental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Our dental team at T-Dot dental will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and ensure that you don’t pay the expensive price of dental neglect.
