Find out what preventive dentistry entails and how you can maintain a healthy smile.
If we want our teeth and gums to remain healthy, we need to tend to and properly care for our mouths each and every day. Our oral health also impacts our general health, and vice versa, so it’s important that you are doing what you can to support optimal dental health. After all, poor oral health can also increase your risk for dementia, heart disease and diabetes. From the office of our Williamsburg, VA, general dentist Dr. Nancy Schumann, here’s why preventive dental care is so important,
Prevent Cavities
Plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, builds upon our teeth and along the gum line every day; however, by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, you can remove plaque and reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease. Of course, nothing beats visiting our general dentist at her Williamsburg, VA, practice every six months so that we can remove any plaque and tartar buildup that you might have missed.
Identify Dental Diseases and Problems Right Away
While you should always practice good oral hygiene, we also understand that issues such as decay and gum disease happen and the best thing we can do is to try and catch these problems early when they are far simpler to treat and require less aggressive treatment options.
In order to do that, this means keeping up with your biannual dental cleanings. Of course, if you develop bleeding gums or a toothache, or notice a hole in your tooth at any point in time, it’s time to give us a call.
Detect Systemic Diseases Early
Say, “Ah!” Did you know that your mouth can tell us a lot about your overall health? You may be surprised to know that many systemic or general health problems can cause oral symptoms such as dry mouth, bad breath, lesions and sore gums. In many instances, we can detect signs of diabetes, oral cancer, anemia, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux and more through a simple preventive checkup.
Everyone can benefit from preventive dentistry. If you need to schedule a routine cleaning with our Williamsburg, VA, general dentist or you have questions about at-home dental care, call us at (757) 564-0900. Make your oral health a priority and you’ll enjoy a beautiful smile for decades to come.