How preventive dental care contributes to lifelong health

Medical

Key points:

• Regular preventive dental care is a necessary component of overall health and prevents systemic disease.
• Use of preventive care, including fluoride procedures and dental sealants, will help to combat dental caries.
• Association of oral health with overall healthcare will assist with appropriate health care delivery, promote successful health outcomes, and lower the cost of healthcare delivery.

Why is preventive dental care important?

Preventive dental care is the first step in a healthy lifestyle. Individuals who schedule regular appointments for a dental cleaning and examination with a Holly Springs dentist have the opportunity to maintain oral health and prevent serious oral conditions. Preventive dental care decreases the probability of dental caries, gum disease, and extensive restorative treatments.

If a patient attends regular dental visits, the patient is likely to engage in evaluation of their oral health, and the dentist will be able to assist with techniques to promote efficient and effective oral hygiene practices at home. The dentist will inform the patient regarding what toothbrush to use, whether to floss or not, and general Guidance on products that best support the health of teeth and enamel in the performance of oral hygiene.

Regular visits not only increase the health of teeth and periodontia but also assist with overall health through improved lowering of risk for systemic disease.

Oral health and overall health

There are known correlations between oral health and overall health. Studies demonstrate that untreated gum disease increases the risk of systemic disease, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Untreated oral infections can allow live bacteria to enter the bloodstream. From there, bacteria cause chronic inflammation leading to health disease risk.

Pregnant males and females are at risk because periodontal disease contributes to preterm delivery. There is a large emphasis placed on preventive dental treatment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of a total health care approach. Dental sealants, fluoride treatments, or just regular cleanings are all very strong methods for lowering cavities and, in turn, lowering the risk of systemic disease associated with cavities as well.

If you are seeking dental services in addition to those in Holly Springs, Cary, NC, has numerous experienced dentists who provide a variety of services. Dentists in Cary NC, place an emphasis on preventive care to keep your family’s teeth healthy. The quality and type of preventive dental treatment can make a generational impact on the oral health of a member of any community.

Economic implications of preventive care

A less understood role of preventive dental care relates to economics. Successfully preventing dental problems before they become dental issues results in considerable savings over time for individuals, families, and society.

A Mayo Clinic study suggests that preventive dental services ultimately reduce the incidence of dental emergencies, decrease the overall cost to patients and healthcare systems. Employers and insurance companies are starting to see these positive outcomes and are adding preventive services to their benefit plans.

The most effective preventive measures 

• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride varnish is an effective preventative agent. Evidence suggests that a preventive service professional can apply fluoride varnish every 4–6 months to significantly lower cavity rates in both children and adolescents. Fluoride varnish is a trustworthy practice to help mineralize tooth enamel while inhibiting deposits of bad bacteria. 
• Dental Sealants: Dental sealants can also help to protect molar grooves and pits from residual food particles and bad bacteria. According to the CDC, dental sealants can help prevent up to 80% of cavities on back teeth where most cavities occur.
• Regular Cleanings: Regular cleanings by a professional will help remove plaque and tartar from locations you cannot reach during daily brushing. The release of plaque and tartar may help reduce gum irritation and the early stages of gum disease and will provide the best health for oral hygiene throughout all stages of life.

Integrating oral health into general health care services 

Oral health and the integration of dental services into general health care are well-known among public health agencies and medical professionals. Patients have better health outcomes when dental and medical providers work together, exchange information, and collaborate on care. For instance, patients with chronic disease who have managed dental and oral health care have lower hospitalization rates and improved disease management. This multidisciplinary approach allows patients to receive comprehensive care for all aspects of their health care needs.

More integrated care models, outlined by Harvard Health Publishing, are being developed to better recognize the connections between the mouth and the body; closing the gaps in care to increase routine screening for dental disease and conditions in other primary health care settings can better provide both dental and systemic disease prevention for the community.

Role of the dental hygienist in providing preventive care

Dental hygienists remain at the forefront of providing preventive care. Their roles, in addition to thorough dental cleanings, providing fluoride treatments, and placing dental sealants are to also educate patients.

Educating patients helps them develop good hygiene practices, proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations, and identify early warning signs of oral disease so they can manage their oral and general health care. Their role is crucial for the education of children and older adults to ensure good dental hygiene, especially after a lifetime of neglecting preventive measures.

Advocacy for preventive services coverage

The American Dental Association and other organizations advocating for health care are lobbying for greater insurance coverage for preventive dental services so that patients of all ages have access to essential preventive courses of treatment like fluoride therapy, dental sealants, routine cleaning, etc.

This expansion of coverage to adults and children will not only close the access gap but will ultimately help promote and motivate patients to develop lifelong preventive care. More families benefit through improved well-being and fewer barriers to dental care as more communities and the legislature listen to advocates of increased preventive coverage. 

The beginning of living a healthy life

Preventive care is the beginning of living a healthy life. If you practice regular dental visits, establish a strong hygiene plan (at home), and enroll in any preventative treatment, you can help save and protect your overall health and your smile. Providing preventive dental care is a wise decision, one that will have lasting benefits for yourself or your family.