Only seeing the dentist when you have a toothache or another obvious problem could be costing you a lot more than time and money. When it comes to your dental care, the more proactive you are, the better off your oral health will be.

Preventative dentistry is all about taking great care of your teeth now to avoid serious problems later. A variety of treatments fall under the category of preventative care, including cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments. Here are six simple ways any adult can benefit from preventive dentistry.

Preventative dentistry exams every six months play an essential role in identifying potential problems early. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw joints to ensure everything is in perfect health. Additionally, screening your smile for signs of oral cancer and periodontal disease is part of the examination process. If any indications for concern are discovered, we can recommend treatment often in the earliest stages before you experience any discomfort.

A fluoride treatment can help to strengthen teeth and protect high-risk patients from developing tooth decay. In addition, a dental cleaning provides an opportunity for your hygienist to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. The cleaning process safeguards your teeth from the onset of cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis.

As time passes, plaque can form on the surface of your teeth. Even with proper and thorough brushing and flossing, your efforts won’t be enough to completely remove the buildup and risk of developing tooth decay. If decay remains untreated, teeth can become infected. Seeing your dentist for routine teeth cleanings every six months means lowering your chances of these concerns coming to fruition. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing each night before bed can help to prevent tooth decay and infection.

By avoiding the onset of tooth decay or gum issues, you reduce the risk of losing your teeth and your smile’s appearance improves. Routine teeth cleanings can also help to brighten teeth and keep any discoloration at bay.

Jaw joint disorders, including bruxism and TMJ can be avoided in addition to other serious health issues. These disorders begin with mild discomfort and can quickly progress to painful issues that also damage your teeth. Your dentist looks for any early indications of these health issues at your exams, and can recommend an oral appliance to prevent further damage from occurring.

Other serious health issues that have been linked to poor oral health include:

Visiting the dentist more often for preventative treatments can quickly save you money. If you have dental insurance, cleanings are typically covered, meaning you won’t have to pay for anything out-of-pocket when you go in for your appointment. Even without dental insurance, it’s still more cost-effective to pay for cleanings twice a year than it is to pay for fillings, root canals, or dental implants.

Frequent and routine cleanings and other preventative treatments will also have you spending less time in the dental chair overall. If you live in or around the Greenbelt area and are looking for preventative dentistry services, contact Cherrywood Dental Associates to schedule an appointment.