General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of preventive dental care.

4 Reasons to undergo preventive care in general dentistry

Below is a quick overview of preventive care in general dentistry, including what it may entail and why to have it done.

1. Avoid gum disease

General dentistry preventive care helps patients avoid gum disease, first and foremost. Gum disease is a serious problem that almost everyone is at risk of developing. With the proper care from a general dentist, the gums can be maintained to ensure good health. Deep dental cleanings may be required in order to avoid gum disease.

2. Prevent cavities

Another reason to get preventive care in general dentistry is to keep cavities at bay. The teeth are at risk of developing infections as a result of poor oral hygiene or excessive sugar consumption. However, with the proper preventive measures from a general dentist, the teeth can be well maintained, thus reducing the potential that cavities will form. Regular cleanings, fluoride application, and dental sealants can all help to reduce the risk.

3. Improve oral health

Oral health is often compromised due to poor oral hygiene or missed dental appointments, however, preventive care in general dentistry can help improve this. Deep dental cleanings and fluoride applications can both help to improve the health of the teeth and gums. Additionally, preventive care may include recommendations from the general dentist. These recommendations can be used at home to improve oral health on a day-to-day basis.

4. Reduces the need for extra dental appointments

Another reason to undergo preventive care in a general dentistry setting is that it reduces the need for extra dental appointments. Most people visit the dentist twice a year or every six months for routine maintenance and preventive measures. These appointments set patients up for the following six months. When preventive measures are taken, patients are much less likely to need restorative work, which then eliminates the need for extra appointments and extra costs.

Getting started with general dentistry care

Preventive care in general dentistry includes a number of procedures and practices, which can be used to combat everything listed above. Some of these preventive measures include:

• Fluoride application
• Dental sealant placement
• Deep dental cleanings
• Composite bonding

When wanting more information on any of the above procedures or why they are necessary for preventive care, contact our office to make sure you are getting the right information. Our general dentist can answer questions, go over concerns, and evaluate patients to determine what general dentistry preventive measures are most suitable. Contact our office today so that we can get you started with an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://brookemcloningerdds.com or call Brooke M. Cloninger, D.D.S. at (509) 319-2152 for an appointment in our Spokane office.