Dental practitioners have long figured out that many dental diseases plaguing patients today can be prevented if certain forms of defence are maintained. The first line of defence is those dentist-recommended mouth cleaning guidelines practised at home: brushing twice a day and flossing, restricting the frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages and eating more tooth-friendly foods.
The next line of defence is the interventions taken by a suitably qualified dental professional. Preventive dentistry is an advanced form of protection that protects teeth and gums from the threats of dental diseases. This field of dentistry incorporates many different techniques from routine dental check-ups to professional dental cleanings carried out by a hygienist Richmond, patient education and fluoride and sealant treatments.
It is believed that as high as 84 percent of adults are in danger of developing tooth decay in the UK. While someone may not think much of a toothache at first, if left ignored and untreated, this simple dental issue signals an underlying issue that threatens to have far-reaching consequences for the patient’s quality of life.
When an easily treatable toothache is left to fester until tooth decay means the loss of that tooth, the patient can suffer excruciating pain and discomfort. They may not be able to eat, speak, sleep, learn or work. A tooth that has to be extracted or which has fallen out leaves a gaping hole in the dental arch that can cause a great deal of embarrassment and awkwardness when having to smile or speak in public.
This pain and embarrassment can largely be avoided by tackling small dental issues as soon as they make themselves known with preventive dental treatment plans.
Reasons why dentists love preventive dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the best sure-fire way for patients to keep on top of their oral health and function. Patients will find that through preventive dental measures, they are able to save money and time by not having to spend on costly treatments to treat major dental problems and time by avoiding treatment plans that require numerous visits to the dentist.
Scientific studies have confirmed that oral bacteria in the mouth can make their way deeper into the body via the bloodstream. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are more predisposed to suffering from heart attacks and strokes due to bad oral bacteria (that cause gum disease) originating in the mouth landing up in arteries and blood vessels. These harmful pathogens also increase the risk of inflammatory conditions in the body.
By considering preventive dental treatment, patients can keep a lid on bad bacteria from overwhelming the mouth and threatening life-sustaining organs.
Psychosocial health is also another beneficiary of preventive dentistry. By saving the pleasing aesthetics of a smile by maintaining good oral health, patients need not fear loss of the ability to smile confidently. Nothing can ruin the appearance of a smile quite like gaps in the dental arch due to tooth loss. Preventive dental techniques are aimed at keeping teeth and gums in top condition to make a lifetime of smiles possible.
