Preventive dental care includes tasks to complete at home, such as brushing, flossing, and proper nutrition. It also requires regular checkups with your dentist and professional teeth cleanings. Mark Stephens, DMD, wants his patients in Richmond, KY, to understand the importance of oral health and how preventative care helps them overall. Below, he explains the connection in more depth. 

Richmond Dentist on the Importance of Preventive Care

Prevent Cavities & Gum Disease

You must brush and floss your teeth regularly if you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Poor oral hygiene encourages the buildup of plaque, which will lead to cavities. Plaque also causes your gums to recede, which may result in tooth loss.

Treat Minor Problems Before They Worsen 

It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to treat minor problems. Your dentist can address a small cavity quickly, but if you ignore the problem, the tooth decay could lead to the need for a root canal or extraction. 

Save Time & Money

Investing a few minutes a day in good oral hygiene habits can save you time and money at the dentist. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings are less expensive than root canals and can save you a visit to the emergency dentist. A checkup also doesn’t take as long as getting more extensive work done.

Benefit Your Overall Health 

Good oral hygiene can reduce your risk for diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. When you practice preventive dental care and brush your teeth, you keep the bacteria in your mouth under control. Otherwise, they can prosper and reach levels that lead to oral infections. These infections can spread and make your body more susceptible to disease.

Now that you understand why preventive dental care is so important, you should talk to Mark Stephens, DMD, and his staff about proper oral hygiene. They can provide tips and advice for keeping your teeth healthy. This family dentist also offers a full range of dental services to ensure your smile stays bright. Visit the website for more information on taking care of your teeth, or call (859) 626-0069 to make an appointment.