Regular checkups and dental cleanings are the primary tools for preventing the development of dental diseases. It is important to keep in mind that oral diseases tend to be cumulative and chronic in nature, meaning, they get worse with time and rarely resolve on their own. As a result, regular appointments as are key so dental health providers can catch the start of a dental problem sooner. Early detection means that dentists can preserve more of the tooth’s natural structure and monitor or resolve any other dental issues before they trouble you.
Prevention is beneficial to patients because it increases quality of life by resolving dental pain and ensures that daily activities are not negatively impacted. For example, dental pain may disrupt sleep and make eating more difficult. Additionally, being proactive increases the longevity of your natural teeth which is likely to be more cost effective in the long run.
Currently, the Canadian Dental Association recommends biannual dental cleanings, however, while this is the recommended minimum, everyone has different dental needs. It is important to follow the recommendations of your dental healthcare professional(s) because their advice is tailored to your oral health needs.
