Preventive dental care is routine teeth and gum maintenance that could prevent serious issues in your oral health. Activities such as brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and going to your family dentist at least twice a year are common preventive care measures. Below are a few benefits taking care of your oral health offers. 

4 Benefits of Preventive Dental Care

1. Prevents Cavities

Plaque and food particles that are not removed soon after eating can cause cavities. This occurs when the acids in lingering food begin to breakdown and decay your teeth, causing pain and sensitivity. As you brush and floss, you get rid of plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth and gums.

2. Prevents Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Plaque not only hurts your teeth, but it can also destroy your gums. It builds up immediately after you eat or drink anything and if it’s left on your gums, it will irritate them. They will eventually become red, swollen, and very tender, leading to gingivitis. If left untreated, your gums will bleed and eventually recede significantly, leading to tooth loss.

3. Early Diagnosis of Other Diseases

Mouth sores, ulcers, dry mouth, and gum problems are all some of the first symptoms to present themselves for several conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, leukemia, and oral cancers. This means that visiting your family dentist twice a year as part of your preventive dental care routine will ensure that you could find these symptoms much sooner.

4. Reduces costs

As you continue to practice preventive dental care measures, you may have to buy toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and replacement toothbrushes more often. However, the cost of these items is low in comparison to how much it will cost you to have dental procedures such as a root canal or cavities. 

The dentists at Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, are committed to fulfilling your general, cosmetic, and laser dentistry needs. These professionals take the time to answer questions and provide educational preventive dental care tools to ensure that your oral health is at its best. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 247-7110 or visit their website to browse a list of services.