Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before they start.

Why patients should see a preventive dentist frequently

Seeing a preventive dentist does not usually take more than an hour. It is an investment in the future of one’s smile so it lasts as long as possible. Reasons that patients should see a preventive dentist regularly include the following.

To keep the smile bright

When the enamel of the teeth gradually wears away due to bacteria and plaque, it exposes the dentin underneath. It is naturally a yellowish color, which can lead to a discolored smile as the dentin increasingly shows through. Patients who want to keep their smile bright for as long as possible should regularly visit the preventive dentist for cleanings.

To catch problems early

Many oral health problems do not cause symptoms at first. So, pulp infections, tooth cracks, cavities, and many other issues — including oral cancer — may lie dormant for a long time. By the time that discomfort or unusual symptoms do arise, the issue could be more difficult to treat.

Preventive dentists will do a comprehensive examination of the patient's mouth to spot issues early. This enables them to recommend treatment that can still be minimally invasive wherever possible.

To maintain a comprehensive history

Patients who visit the preventive dentist frequently have an advantage over those who do not: history. When the dentist can track developments in a patient’s dentition over time, they are much more likely to spot problematic changes or trends.

Compare this to a patient who rarely visits the dentist. The dental professional will need to start essentially from the beginning each time, robbing the patient of the advantage of having a long dental history to look back on.

To strengthen the teeth

Teeth are strong because they are made of calcium-supported enamel, which is known to be the strongest substance in the human body. However, it will not stay this way if it is not properly cared for.

A preventive dentist has many methods for keeping the teeth strong. Removing bacterial buildup through scaling and cleaning is one option, but patients can also opt for fluoride treatments. The fluoride leaches into the enamel and provides additional support against bacterial decay so the teeth are more resilient.

Schedule your preventive dentist visit

If you are overdue for a visit to the preventive dentist, you might be putting it off because you would rather spend your time on other things. Everyone has busy seasons, but you could be doing lasting damage to your mouth and teeth by avoiding the dentist. Contact our office to commit to a single hour of your day in service of your teeth so they last a lifetime!

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistinlongbranch.com or call Garden State Healthy Smiles PC at (732) 504-6914 for an appointment in our Long Branch office.

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