Why Preventive Dental Care is Such an Important Part of Caring for Your Teeth

If tooth pain, dental surgery, and tooth loss rank high on your “no thank you” list, look no further than preventive dental care. Staying on top of your dental health can go a long way toward ensuring your long-term well-being.

At Swinney Dental, our experienced team of dentists provides a range of preventive dentistry services. Read on to learn more. 

Preventive dentistry basics

There’s no one way to go about preventing dental issues. In fact, the best way to prevent problems involves a collection of steps and habits, such as:

• Daily brushing and flossing habits
• Eating a balanced diet
• Dental cleanings and exams, at least twice a year

At your preventive dental appointments, our team at Swinney Dental cleans your teeth using specialized tools and techniques. This type of thorough cleaning is far more effective in minimizing stains and buildup of plaque and tartar compared to home care alone. Each visit also provides a chance for you to discuss your home care with your dentist, who can recommend tips and suggestions.

Health benefits of preventive dental care

A wide range of dental issues stems from plaque and tartar buildup. When this buildup lingers too long, harmful bacteria can accumulate, leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. When early signs of gum disease go unaddressed, pockets between your teeth and gums can become so inflamed that you end up losing some of your teeth. Preventive dentistry can help reduce these problems early on or keep them from occurring in the first place.

Preventive dentistry may also lower your risk of overall health conditions linked with poor dental wellness, such as 

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Pregnancy issues, such as low birth weight
• Respiratory disease

A whiter, brighter smile

Keeping your teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible can also help maintain your teeth’s whiteness. Stains caused by factors such as consuming darkly pigmented foods or drinks, like coffee, colas and, red wine, and chewing or smoking tobacco products can be minimized. This is important from an aesthetic standpoint because stains are easier to reduce early on. As a result of whiter teeth, you may feel more confident about your smile. Professional teeth whitening is often used in tandem with preventive dentistry to keep your smile bright. 

To learn more about preventative dental care, call Swinney Dental or schedule an appointment using our online booking feature.