Preventive dentistry, also sometimes called preventative dentistry, is a term you may have heard at a dental office or read online. It is not very commonly used by the average person because it is a scientific term that encompasses many of the things that you should do on a regular basis to maintain good oral health. To help you better understand the term and what it means for you and your family, we have broken it down below.
THE DEFINITION
Preventive dentistry, much like the word suggests, refers to any activity that works to prevent oral health issues. The focus of preventive dentistry is usually to keep the teeth, gums, and mouth as healthy as possible to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
Why Preventive Dental Care is So Important ?
Being proactive about this type of dental care is important for many reasons. First, overall, it is much less expensive than restorative dentistry (e.g. fillings, crowns, implants, etc.). As a result, many insurance plans cover most or all preventive treatments at your dentist’s office. And, even if you don’t have dental insurance, a regular cleaning appointment (one form of preventive dentistry) is significantly cheaper than even getting a minor cavity filled.
Second, being proactive about dental care helps you maintain healthier teeth and gums, which means you are less likely to experience tooth loss as a result of gum disease or tooth decay. Additionally, because there are so many nerve endings in the mouth, oral health issues can be extremely painful. But if major dental issues can be avoided with proactive prevention, you’re likely to be more pain-free, as well!
Third, many studies have linked oral health and overall health to one another. So, having a healthy mouth through preventive dental care can actually help you have a healthier body overall.