There are some things in life that you can do at the last minute — dental care is not one of them. And when you weigh the benefits gained from preventative care versus the hassle of a dental emergency, you’ll find all the motivation you need! Some examples of Preventative dental care include:
- Regular brushing and flossing.
- Eating healthy food and avoiding cavity-causing foods.
- Fluoride use.
- Visiting the dentist every six months.
- Dental cleanings and x-rays.
- Injury prevention with mouthguards and other devices.
- Regularly replacing your toothbrush.
- Quitting smoking or tobacco use.
- Oral cancer screenings.
Why is preventative care so important? The list is long, ladies and gentleman! But here are some facts to chew on.
- Failure to care for your teeth can result in the development of dental problems including cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.
- Beyond the oral health problems that a lack of preventative care can cause, your overall health can be compromised as well. Poor oral health has been linked to diseases including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain oral cancers. Here are some statistics to think about.
- The American Academy of Periodontology has reported a significant correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- According to Colgate, certain types of gum disease bacteria can make you more likely to contract lung infections like pneumonia.
- ABC News reports that gum disease in pregnancy has been found to be a factor in low birth weight in infants.
- Missing teeth can cause speech problems, malnutrition and jaw bone loss.
- Neglecting your teeth can hit you in the pocketbook. The average cost of toothpaste and dental floss? Under $10. Average cost of dental filling? Hundreds of dollars. If you need a bridge you are looking at a cost of $500 to $1,200. And a dental implant? Dental Implant Cost Guide estimates you’ll likely shell out anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Time savings. Two minutes of brushing versus two hours in the dentist’s chair getting your cavity worked on? You decide!
- Pain prevention. Many people realize they have a cavity only when it gets bad enough to cause a throbbing pain in their mouth. If you take care of your teeth, you never have to feel that! The same idea applies to gum care. If you don’t like bleeding gums, floss everyday.
If you have been lackadaisical about preventative care in the past, don’t beat yourself up! It’s never too late to start and you will be surprised at how quickly you will see results. Schedule a meeting with your dentist to discuss preventative dental care goals.
