When your dentist in Pittsburgh says that prevention is the best form of oral care, is he just using a convenient cliché? He’s actually doing quite the opposite – providing a practical means to reduce your likelihood to endure future woes and oral maladies. Thus, he eagerly encourages you to take advantage of preventive dentistry and will explain some of the serious problems that these visits can catch early and address.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry involves the semi-annual visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations. The former allows for the removal of stubborn plaque and tartar that have collected on your teeth and gums. They are the result of prolonged bacteria growth and can lead to serious oral health problems, which we’ll discuss below.
The examination, usually done in two parts, is equally important because it will identify any lurking problems like tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. The quicker these problems are detected, the easier they are to treat.
How Does Preventive Dentistry Stop Oral Cancer?
One key point to keep in mind is that the same bacteria that cause simple cavities can be big contributors to major problems like oral cancer. The longer they are allowed to fester and grow in numbers, the worse their effects are.
Here’s an example of how a little issue caused by bacteria can progress into something bigger:
- You have some plaque buildup on your teeth and gums.
- As a result, acids begin to bore holes into your ivories called cavities.
- The cavities aren’t addressed in time, so they bore past the enamel and into the inner area of the tooth.
- As the damage travels, the gums get infected and become inflamed.
- The excess bacteria can also contribute to the growth of cancer cells in the mouth.
Well before the problem escalates to this point, a visit to your local professional for preventive care will identify the threat and you will be able to formulate a plan along with your dentist to address it. The earlier that oral cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment methods are and the higher the survival rates.
The Marriage Between Dental Visits and Oral Hygiene
The most effective way for your dentist appointments to be used is in tandem with your oral hygiene, which forms a healthy marriage. By brushing, flossing, scraping your tongue and eating healthier, you can feel more comfortable when visiting your dentist semi-annually. Still, though, if there is a problem developing, you can feel confident that your local dentist will find it and work with you to stop it in its tracks.
So to be proactive and protect your oral and overall health, reach out to your dentist to schedule your first visit today!
About the Author
A fixture in the Kittaning area for nearly 40 years, Dr. Ray Voller earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Since then he has gone to receive Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry and a certificate in orthodontics from the United States Dental Institute. For more information about Dr. Voller’s expert and compassionate care, you can contact him through his website.