Your teeth play an important role every single day. They make a beautiful smile, helping you to communicate quickly. (Did you know you can see a smile from the distance of a football field?!) Your teeth also enable you to chew food and speak clearly. They also give your face its distinctive shape and the confidence you carry throughout the day.
A healthy smile will not only transform your visual appearance and your mindset, but it will also improve your oral and overall health. This is why preventive dentistry is as important as caring for your teeth every day with your attentive home care routine.
To maintain optimal oral health, our dental association recommends visiting us, your dentist in Hatfield, at least twice annually – or more depending on your individual needs. This will ensure that your teeth are clean and healthy, as well as esthetically pleasing.
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is a means of intercepting damage to your teeth and mouth due to decay, gum disease, oral cancer, cracks, infection, and more.
Preventive care includes:
- regular home care (brushing twice a day and flossing once a day)
- regular visits to Dental Excellence of Hatfield
- thorough professional cleaning
- repair of chips or cracks when they’re small
- decay intervention
- oral cancer checks
- gum disease diagnosis & treatment plan
- etc
receiving, accepting, and implementing dental care information and tips from us, your dentist in Hatfield…
- brushing & flossing instruction
- wearing a mouthguard when playing sports that have the chance of impact to your teeth (hockey, basketball, in-line skating, football, soccer, etc.)
- wearing a nightguard to prevent damage from bruxism (grinding and clenching)
- not using your teeth as tools
- etc.
Benefits of preventive dentistry include:
Optimal or improved overall health – Research over the years has identified a connection between oral health and overall health. While we used to look at your mouth as a completely individual and separate entity, we now know that that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are links that connect the mouth to your systemic health. And we now know that poor oral health negatively affects specific health problems. Here’s a short list of those connections of which you must be aware.
Please share this information with your loved ones, and ask us, or your doctor, for more details. When you work with our dental team who knows these risks and responds to them, you can feel confident that issues may be caught early when treatment is more successful and less disruptive to your life.
- Diabetes – Diabetics are more likely to have gum disease, perhaps because they are more susceptible to infections. Secondly, people with diabetes who have gum disease have more difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. One works against the other.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – The mouth bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis that destroys gum tissue has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease as it increases plaques associated with the disease. Research continues.
- Heart Disease – If you have untreated gum disease, your chances of developing heart disease increase by about 300%. Incredible and especially crucial if you already have heart disease.
- Stroke – If you have undiagnosed or untreated gum disease, you are much more likely to suffer a stroke. Make sure you keep your regular recall appointments!
- Chronic Kidney Disease – Chronic kidney disease can appear on its own or alongside diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity, a risk factor for periodontitis, is also associated with chronic kidney disease. The networks are complex, and we’re yet to discover exactly how they connect.
- Osteoporosis – Periodontitis and osteoporosis could be a risk factor for each other.
- Respiratory Diseases – Gum disease, an inflammatory disease, can worsen inflammation that has occurred due to lung diseases (such as asthma and COPD).
- and more!
As your dentist in Hatfield, our focus is on you and your oral and overall health. We want to help you live your best life, and as your mouth is the gateway to overall health, providing all sorts of clues about your health, we encourage you to never skip or continually postpone your recall appointments with us.
We really want to help you smile. Call (215) 330-2449 today!
Do you need dental support to protect your smile? Call us about preventive dentistry!
FAQs
What is preventive dental care?
Many patients ask what is preventive dental care because they want to understand how small daily habits and routine checkups protect long-term oral health. Preventive care includes regular cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, X-rays, and guidance customized to your risks. As a dentist in Hatfield, PA, we explain what preventive dental care is, so you know how these simple steps help avoid cavities, gum disease, and more serious dental problems over time. Call us if you have questions at (215) 330-2449!
How often should I schedule dental cleanings?
People often wonder how often should I schedule dental cleanings, especially if they feel their teeth look or feel fine. For most patients, visits twice a year help control plaque buildup and catch early signs of decay or gingivitis before they progress. However, patients with higher risk – such as those with gum inflammation or dry mouth – may benefit from more frequent visits. We clarify how often should to schedule dental cleanings during your exam based on your personal oral health history and lifestyle habits here in Hatfield.
What is the importance of early cavity detection?
Patients committed to prevention often ask what the importance of early cavity detection is, and it’s one of the biggest advantages of routine care. Small cavities often do not cause pain and are easily treatable, but once they grow, they can require more extensive procedures. Our preventive-focused dentist in Hatfield, PA, uses X-rays and visual inspection to catch decay before symptoms appear. Book a visit today through our Contact page!
How can I protect my gums at home?
A common concern during preventive visits is how can I protect my gums at home, especially for patients who notice occasional bleeding when brushing. Daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing, and using antimicrobial rinses can significantly reduce inflammation and bacteria. We offer personalized oral health guidance, including technique demonstrations, so you feel confident caring for your gums throughout the year. Need more support? Reach out at (215) 330-2449!
What habits help prevent dental problems?
Patients committed to keeping their smile healthy often ask what habits help prevent dental problems, because prevention is far easier than treatment. Consistent brushing twice a day, flossing daily, avoiding frequent snacking, and maintaining regular dental visits all make a major difference. Many Hatfield families benefit from customized advice based on age, lifestyle, and past dental history.
Contact Dental Excellence Of Hatfield About Preventive Dentistry Today!
- Maintain a healthy and beautiful smile
- Avoid costly future treatments
- Stregnthen your teeth and gums
- Preserve your oral health
- Look and feel more youthful!