A majority of Americans put a high value on the appearance, quality, and health of their smiles according to the American Dental 
Association. Yet a Gallup poll found that Americans don’t see the dentist as regularly as they should. Preventive care visits are an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Find out why you should schedule one at Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown, PA.
The Most Common Dental and Oral Health Concerns
One oral care concern that affects close to 50 percent of American adults is gum disease. Advanced gum disease, better known as periodontitis, can cause tooth loss in relatively young people. Tooth decay is another common problem that dentists try to prevent. Bad bacteria cause infections that rot the tooth and can spread to other parts of the body. Though it is relatively rare, dentists are also concerned about oral cancer in some patients, especially those who have a history of this disease. The sooner this problem is recognized at a dental checkup, the easier it is to control.
Why You Should Seek Preventive Care
When you go see your Allentown, PA dentist, you want to receive a good report and minor dental work—not intensive, expensive treatments to fix major problems. Continued preventive care is the best way to avoid the latter. It’s focused on keeping your teeth as clean as possible, free from plaque and bacteria that cause infections. Part of preventive care is getting dental treatments that will improve the strength of your teeth. If you’re a parent, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strong suggests early preventive care for children as young as one-year-old.
What Does Preventive Care Include?
The ultimate goal of preventive care is to prevent a problem from occurring. These are some of the most common preventive care steps:
- Professional cleaning between the teeth and scaling around the gum line.
- Dental sealants and fluoride treatments for young people.
- Dental crowns to shore up vulnerable teeth.
- Braces and TMJ/TMD treatments for jaw adjustments.
- Perio-protect to keep the gums bacteria-free.
- Specific advice from your Allentown, PA dentist or hygienist on how to properly take care of your teeth at home.
Make Time for Your Teeth
If you want your teeth to be healthy and disease free, you have to make a commitment to better preventive dental care. Start by calling (610) 820-6000 to schedule a checkup and cleaning with Dr. Robert Sanford at Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown, PA.