What is Preventive Dentistry and It’s Goals?
Most of us can relate to the pre-dentist appointment jitters that seem to creep in. The smells, sights, and sounds of a typical dentist office are enough to stray some people away from getting teeth cleanings. Preventative dentistry is an essential part of your overall health.
While it can prove to be a phobia for some, it is important for the well-being of your mouth as well as the rest of your body. There are many diseases that actually present themselves orally first, so it is wise to stay on top of your dental hygiene routine.
Preventative Dentistry Defined…
Healthline shares the insight as to why preventative dentistry is so important to all (https://www.healthline.com/health/preventative-dentistry). One of the most simple forms of this is the daily routine of brushing your teeth. The average person brushes their teeth twice daily. Flossing also goes hand-in-hand with this routine. By having a solid teeth cleaning schedule, you will prevent cavities and gum disease.
You will also be able to strengthen the enamel by way of fluoride that can be found in most toothpaste. Mouthwash can also be incorporated into your daily routine. Killing germs and also bad breath, a swish of mouthwash can ensure lasting freshness to your mouth.
The Direct Dental dentists (https://www.dentistinpicorivera.com/) tell us the second aspect of preventative dentistry is routine cleanings. It is recommended that most people should visit the dentist at least once per year for a cleaning. During this checkup, you will have the benefits of getting your teeth thoroughly cleaned, as well as tips and tricks provided by your dentist. If you are having trouble with flossing or even brushing, your dentist can show you how to do this properly.
Eating a balanced diet is another essential part of dental hygiene. If you have a diet that is rich in sugars and processed food, this is going to rot your teeth quickly, and potentially cause cavities and other problems down the line. When in doubt, seek moderation. Do not limit yourself to foods that you enjoy, but remember that there is such a thing as too much.
The Window to Total Health
The health of your mouth paints a picture of what is going on in the rest of your body. Some diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS can actually show symptoms orally before eliciting symptoms elsewhere (https://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/why-a-healthy-mouth-is-good-for-your-body). It is known that up to 90% of systemic diseases actually show up in symptoms orally. This is why that annual trip to the dentist is highly important and not worth the risk of missing.
Your saliva has a lot to show for what is going on with your overall health. Your physician could potentially collect a sample for testing when you are feeling impacted by an illness or disease. During this testing, they will be able to monitor your toxin levels, cortisol, hormones, antibodies, and more.
If something does not look normal during your routine teeth cleaning appointment, it is your dentist that will be the first to recognize this. As helpful as saliva can be for diagnostic purposes, it is also a great help in fighting bacteria. You encounter countless levels of different bacteria daily, and your saliva is actually known to defend your body from the bad stuff.
By skimping on the brushing and flossing, you may be putting yourself at risk for infection. There are several varieties of gum disease that can develop by simply being lazy with your dental hygiene. Plaque buildup is also a detrimental effect of poor hygiene. In the most severe cases, this can lead to cardiovascular disease and even premature birth.
Getting Over Your Fear
If you cannot be simply motivated to go to the dentist by hearing the facts, you may be experiencing a phobia. Good news, you are not alone. According to Delta Dental, up to 40 million Americans also share this same fear (https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/anxiety_visit.html). This fear can become so overpowering that it can persuade people to regularly avoid dentist visits.
To increase your comfort levels, talk to your dentist. Before the exam begins, go over the steps that will be taken so that you know what to expect. If you are able to identify what is happening, you may be less likely to feel anxious or worried about it.
During the visit, do your best to keep breathing at a regular level and stay calm. It can also be arranged with your dentist to use some sort of safety signal. This signal can be done with your hand to indicate that you would like to pause and take a break. Feeling that you are in control of the entire experience can put those fears to rest.
If you would like a total distraction, try bringing some form of portable music into the appointment. Having headphones on could prove to be helpful and might make the cleaning go by faster.
