Did You Know? 5 Ways That Preventative Dentistry Can Help Save You Time and Money

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you’re probably wondering whether there’s any benefit in preventative procedures. Doesn’t preventive dentistry take time? And isn’t it expensive? In truth, it’s actually much more expensive and time consuming to treat problems after they’ve developed than it is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are just five ways that seeing your dentist on a regular basis can save you both time and money.

Preventative Dentistry Reverses Gingivitis Before It Progresses

If you’re not a regular flosser, or if you don’t see your dentist regularly, it’s very possible that you’ll develop gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by built-up plaque and tarter. The plaque is essentially a build-up of bacteria that release toxins that irritate your gums, w≈hich is what causes gingivitis. With preventive dentistry, though, your dentist can heal any damage to your teeth and gums that gingivitis may have caused – that is, provided it’s caught early enough.

Great Cleaning Can Help You Avoid Fillings

If you allow plaque to build up on your teeth and don’t remove it within 24 hours, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is very difficult to remove from your teeth, and over time, it can harbor bacteria and their byproducts that eat away at your tooth and create cavities. That’s why it’s important to attend regular dental cleanings every six months. Proper cleanings can prevent tartar from building up, which means you’ll avoid the need for costly fillings.

Fluoride Treatments Heal Early-Stage Decay

Again, fillings can be costly – and that’s why it’s best to avoid needing them. Fluoride treatment is a great preventative procedure that hardens your tooth enamel, which means you’ll be more resistant to cavities in the future. According to Dr. David Albert at the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, fluoride treatment can even reverse early-stage tooth decay. So even if your teeth have already started to develop cavities, a simple fluoride treatment might be enough to heal them.

Orthodontics Can Correct a Misaligned Bite Before it Causes Speech Issues

A misaligned bite is a developmental issue that, if left unchecked, can result in facial deformities and speech impairments. These more severe issues can be costly to treat, and often require surgery. In contrast, an orthodontic solution is less intrusive, easier to recover from, and more affordable. That’s why an orthodontic assessment early on in your child’s life is a fantastic idea.

Regular Checkups Result in Early Oral Cancer Diagnoses

Oral cancer is one of the deadliest cancers out there, with one third of patients dying within five years, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. However, it’s also much easier and less costly to treat if it’s caught early. When you get your check-up, your dentist won’t just check for cavities – he’ll also look for signs of oral cancer. And if your dentist does detect early signs oral cancer, you can have confidence knowing that you have the best possible treatment outcome.

Preventative dentistry is a great way to preserve your oral health for years to come. Your dentist is a trained professional who knows how to spot a variety of issues before they’ve had a chance to develop past the point of treatment. That’s why preventative dentistry is a must for children and adults everywhere. With proper preventative care, you can keep your teeth healthy for years to come – and save time and money while doing it.

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