You probably have heard it said a dozen times or more; “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This lesson has been taught by generations of parents to ensure that the people they love understand the importance of good health. Dentists in Downers Grove are just as focused on preventing dental problems, they know that if their patients follow a regimen of good oral hygiene and twice a year checkups that many dental issues can be avoided.
What is preventative dentistry?
When you talk to dentists in Downers Grove they will be the first to say that the majority of dental problems faced by their patients are the result of inadequate oral hygiene. People that fail to brush and floss regularly and avoid dental checkups are those most often in need of emergency care. Rather than rely on a cure for dental problems, preventative dentistry focuses on caring for teeth in an effort to avoid problems in the first place.
A complete preventative dentistry program includes:
- Regular brushing and flossing: Brushing twice a day and flossing in the evening will help eliminate plaque which in turn can create tartar. Tartar is a leading cause of decay and gum disease.
- Regular dental checkups: Many dental issues do not become problematic until they become advanced at which time it may be too late to save the tooth. Regular visits to your dentists in Downers Grove can catch problems before they get out of hand.
- Healthy diet: Chocolate and soft drinks increase the possibility of tooth decay. Eating a healthy diet that includes nuts, chicken and cheese benefits your overall health as well as decreases the risk of decay and gum problems.
- Protection against injury: Regular brushing and checkups will help you maintain excellent oral health but will not protect you from injury. Your dentist can fit you with a mouthguard that will protect your teeth while you are playing sports.
Your dentist can teach you the importance of protection but in the event you do get a cavity or require any one of a host of corrective dental procedures, there is no one better suited to help than your dentists in Downers Grove.
