When it comes to taking care of your body and staying healthy, prevention is the best cure. We know that activities like hand washing, eating healthy, and getting plenty of exercise are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your mouth and keeping up your oral health is no different. These preventive dental practices include brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and regular dental checkups. Below are four reasons that highlight why preventive dentistry is so important.

1. Many Oral Diseases are Preventable with Quick Treatment

Oral problems such as sensitivity and tooth decay don’t just appear overnight. These conditions slowly build over time. Often by the time you begin to feel the effects, you may require costly treatment. Frequent brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups allows you to catch these problems early, letting you treat the problem before it gets out of hand.

2. Preventive Dental Care Can Save you Money

By frequently taking care of your teeth, you are also taking care of your wallet. Each dollar you spend practicing good oral hygiene can save you up to up to $50 on treatments. Most of the time, routine cleanings and dental exams are covered by insurance. If a problem is detected, small dental repairs like fillings will set you back much less than dental implants or crowns.

3. Good Oral Hygiene is Related to Overall Health

Oral diseases can easily impact the rest of your body. For example, oral conditions like gum disease have been linked to larger health problems such like diabetes and heart disease. By taking the time to care for your mouth, you are also caring for your body as a whole.

4. You can Save Time

Finally, having good oral hygiene practices means less time spent at the dentist and more time doing what you love. Spending a few minutes brushing and flossing each day can keep you from spending hours in a dentist’s chair or in the waiting room.