In almost every case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. Being aware of potential problems and working to counteract them is much more efficient than trying to treat a serious condition after the fact. This is especially true for oral health care. The good news for patients is that preventive oral health care steps are easy to take, as long as you’re consistent. Caring for your teeth at home and making biannual dentist visits goes a long way toward preventing serious disease. Talk to your dentist about how to avoid cavities and oral cancer with preventive care.
Preventive Care Is a Philosophy, But it Doesn’t Take Extra Work
You’re probably already taking preventive steps with your oral health, or at least, you know what steps you should be taking. Your own consistency with practices like brushing and flossing your teeth will determine how well these steps work. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed. If you’re someone who struggles with cavities, you may want to start brushing after each meal to reduce your risk. If you’re not currently flossing, start on a daily floss routine to reach surfaces in your mouth that your brush cannot. It won’t take a ton of extra work to keep your teeth healthy!
Your Dentist Can Screen for Cancer and Check for Cavities
Oral cancer is a common form of skin cancer, and while it presents a scary prospect, there is good news for patients. Catching this condition early on allows for treatment, and significantly improves the outlook for patients. Your dentist can easily perform an oral cancer screening during your biannual visit. This visit also gives your dentist the chance to evaluate your teeth for any shifts in your bite, or areas of plaque development. When your dentist spots these problems and treats them right away, it will drastically reduce the amount of treatment that you need.
When There Is a Problem with Your Teeth, Your Dentist Can Help
Some patients develop anxiety related to the dentist because they are worried the dentist will discover cavities. If there is a problem with your teeth, the best thing you can do is address the problem right away. Treating a problem now reduces the timetable and cost of the treatment. Letting cavities linger may cause them to contribute to gum disease or destroy your tooth entirely. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about inflammation in your gums or pain in your teeth.
Elm Creek Dental Provides Preventive Care
If it’s time for your next dentist appointment, trust the team at Elm Creek Dental. The accommodating staff members at Elm Creek want to make sure you have the best experience possible while receiving the care you need. Schedule your biannual check up by contacting Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.