Why You Need Preventive Dentistry Services
Healthy gums and teeth ensure you have a beautiful smile and have no difficulties eating or speaking. The best way to have good oral health is to visit the dentist for preventive dental services. These services are essential for people of all ages. Read on to learn why your child should see a pediatric dentist in Greenwood, SC, every six months.
What Are Preventive Dentistry Services?
These are actions to avoid oral health diseases and maintain great oral health. They are services by a dentist to help you maintain a healthy and attractive smile for a lifetime. These services should begin early in a child’s life, such as when the first tooth erupts or after the first birthday. They continue into adulthood, helping patients maintain healthy and attractive smile.
Below are examples of preventive dentistry services provided by the kids’ dentist near you.
- Dental exams to help detect oral health issues early
- Professional teeth cleanings to prevent dental diseases
- Education to help maintain excellent oral health
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and reverse early decay
- Space maintainers to avoid misalignment after premature tooth loss
- Dental sealants to protect teeth against decay
What Does Preventive Medicine Protect Against?
Preventive dental care at home or a dental office prevents several problems. Fluoride treatments, professional teeth cleanings and dental sealants prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. They can also prevent early tooth loss and dental discoloration.
Preventive medicine promotes excellent dental health. Consequently, they reduce the risk of mouth-related health issues. These include diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and respiratory diseases. They assure you of your child’s general well-being.
Importance of Preventative Dental Care
Taking your child to the kids’ dentist in Greenwood, SC, is essential. Below are a few benefits you and your child will enjoy through preventive dental care.
- Keep the mouth clean and healthy
The dentist will teach your child to clean their mouth correctly at home. They will also professionally clean the child’s teeth, removing bacteria, plaque and tartar. As a result, your child will have stain-free teeth, fresh breath and a confident smile.
- Monitoring the mouth
The dentist will closely monitor the child’s mouth during the dental visits. This will help them identify any developing conditions. For example, they will identify early signs of tooth decay. Then, they will take measures to prevent it from progressing.
- Advise parents and kids
Pediatric dentists are well-versed in dental issues that affect children. So, they will advise parents and kids on practices that promote good oral health. For example, they will teach parents to avoid tooth decay and teach young kids to brush properly.
- Save money
Preventive dental care saves parents plenty of money. Most preventive dental services are covered by insurance, making them affordable. The services help avoid issues like decay, gum disease or tooth loss. In addition, treating dental problems before they worsen is cheaper.
- Prevent malocclusion
Preventive dental care can help prevent misalignment and bite issues. The dentist will monitor the child’s teeth to ensure they are developing correctly. They will discourage habits like finger-sucking because they cause misalignment. If necessary, they will recommend orthodontics. If the child loses a tooth prematurely, they will use space maintainers to prevent misalignment.
The Cost of Preventive Dental Care
Some parents avoid pediatric preventive dentistry services because they fear costly treatments. However, money should not be a concern where preventive dental care is concerned. Consider the money spent on preventive dental care as a future investment.
Dental insurance plans cover procedures like teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and X-rays. Some plans provide 100% coverage, while others give 80%. Your dentist can help you pay for the dental services if you do not have insurance. They can provide discounts or devise payment plans suitable for your pocket.
Conclusion
Your child can benefit a lot if they receive preventive dental care. They will have a beautiful and healthy smile that helps them socialize confidently. You can also save money and avoid sleepless nights if your child has a toothache.
The initial step of preventive dental care is to book a dental exam and cleaning appointment. Contact Dr John Patangan at Kids First Dental- Greenwood. The expert and his team will examine your child’s mouth thoroughly. Then, they will recommend suitable treatments to achieve and maintain excellent oral health.