Advantages of Preventive Dentistry – Some Might Surprise You!

If you’ve struggled to keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings, you’re not alone. Everything from busy schedules to cost and access to quality dental care can interfere with getting your recommended biannual dental exam and cleaning. 

However, one of the many advantages of preventive dental care is that it’s never too late to get started and take control of your oral health. 

Whether it’s been years or even decades since your last visit to the dentist, our prosthodontist, Dr. Ramin Mahallati, and our team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry offer a range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services at our office in Beverly Hills, California.

Advantages of preventive dentistry

Here are some of the many advantages of adding preventive dentistry to your health and wellness regimen:

Save money in the future

Many people wait until something goes wrong to see a dentist. Whether it’s tooth pain, bleeding gums, or an accident, taking time out to go to the dentist might seem unnecessary if you don’t have any symptoms or issues. 

The problem is that, like many health problems, symptoms don’t always present immediately. By the time they do, the problem is often more expensive to fix.

In the case of cavities and gum disease, waiting won’t just cost you more time and money in the future, it can also increase your risk of more advanced issues with your dental and overall health. 

It’s good for your heart

Poor oral hygiene and skipping regular dental appointments can lead to gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and gum disease. The problem is that the bacteria that wreaks havoc on your gums can also enter your bloodstream and increase your risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attack and stroke. 

Healthy gums aren’t just good for your smile, they’re good for your entire body, especially your heart.

Improve pregnancy outcomes

Pregnancy hormones increase the risk of gingivitis and gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dental bacteria can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth. 

Boost your immune system

You’ve probably heard that inflammation — the body’s natural response to pathogens, injuries, and bacteria — can be harmful to your health and increase the risk of developing serious health problems over time. 

Chronic dental inflammation (the result of poor oral hygiene and limited dental care) can tax your immune system and make it that much more challenging for your body to fight off illness.

Catch potentially serious health problems early

Preventive dentistry is also an early detection system for potentially serious health issues like oral cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. 

While your gums might look healthy in the mirror, a dental exam identifies problems before symptoms may develop. When it comes to serious health issues, early detection is always your best bet.

For more information about the benefits of preventive dentistry and the services available at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.