As one of the easiest ways to invest in your oral health for years down the road, preventive dentistry is a key component of overall health.
A lot of dental issues develop with no obvious symptoms or pain, and it isn’t until the problem has gotten more severe that it is noticed by patients. However, finding these problems at the earliest stage possible can help you avoid having more treatment down the road and more money to spend while maintaining oral health.
When we talk about preventing issues here at Didsbury Dental Centre, we are focused on issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, and helping our patients to prevent them before they become worse issues. By providing regular checkups, cleanings, patient education, and tailored recommendations, we strive to protect your oral health at each stage in your life.
Learning About Tooth Decay
Tooth decay begins when bacteria in the mouth break down the sugars and starches from food, which causes decay of the tooth enamel from the acids produced. Eventually, the tooth enamel will continue to break down, resulting in more pain or even loss of a tooth.
The earliest stages of a cavity might not cause any symptoms, making regular dental care visits so important. Catching tooth decay in these earliest stages can mean the treatment will be simple and conservative.
Things that can increase the risk of tooth decay:
- Sugary foods and drinks being consumed often
- Lack of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
- Having a mouth that is dry or reduced levels of saliva
- Having deeper than normal grooves and indentations
- History of having cavities
Learning About Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when the tissues supporting your teeth become infected, and it usually starts with a buildup of plaque and bacteria at the gumline. This infection can be detected in the earliest stage (gingivitis), in which you may have red or swollen gums and gums that bleed when brushing and flossing.
This disease can become worse, progressing to a more serious stage called periodontitis, which can affect the bone that supports your teeth and lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and potentially tooth loss. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums when you are brushing or flossing
- Having a persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Having loose teeth or shifting teeth
A lot of patients won’t notice that they have gum disease unless they have been to their dentist for dental care and have it noticed early in the process, because it can develop gradually.
Why Early Identification Matters
The earlier the tooth decay or gum disease is found, the easier it can be to control. At every check-up at Didsbury Dental Centre, we can monitor changes that could be signs of issues with your oral health and catch these in the earliest stages before they get more serious.
During a check-up, we will closely examine your teeth and gums as well as check your bite and other factors. Our cleaning will be able to remove plaque and tartar that you cannot remove from home with a toothbrush and floss to help decrease the risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease. For patients in Didsbury, AB and beyond, preventive care allows us to ensure your mouth is healthy so you can avoid problems.
Daily Routines & Healthy Habits
Oral health starts every day with proper brushing and flossing habits. Good habits such as these can protect your teeth and gums from tooth decay and gum disease.
- Brush at least two times a day using toothpaste with fluoride
- Floss every day
- Cut down on the sugary foods and drinks as much as possible
- Drink lots of water
- Change your toothbrush frequently
- Check in with our clinic for regular dental care visits as recommended
The more you do to protect your oral health at home, the more your dental health will improve.
Professional Preventive Care Options
In addition to home care, professional preventive care from your clinic in Didsbury, AB can help protect you from dental issues like cavities and periodontal disease. Some examples of these are:
- Dental cleanings at our clinic
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Full mouth examinations
- Digital diagnostics
- Personalized hygiene instructions
Providing the services listed above reduces the risk and will help your oral health to improve.
Prevention Today For A Healthier Future
Preventing dental care concerns is one of the easiest ways to take care of your oral health. Patients can significantly reduce the risk of dental issues, cavities, and gum disease by maintaining good daily habits and making regular check-ins with a dentist.
At Didsbury Dental Centre, we feel like taking care of oral health is all about prevention. We are here to help our patients understand their oral health and to assist them in taking better care of themselves. Scheduling an appointment with our team at Didsbury Dental Centre is as easy as picking up the phone and calling, and the more you can catch dental problems at the start, the better chance you have at maintaining your oral health for years down the road. Dentsbury Dental Centre provides personalized and tailored preventive care for patients in Didsbury, AB, and beyond!