Why Dentists Recommend Preventative Oral Care Over Emergency Care

September 6, 2022

Surprisingly, 54% of Americans say that they would only go to the dentist in the event of an emergency, according to the North American Dental Group. But this shouldn't be the case, as preventative dental care offers several benefits for your overall health. Here are five reasons why dentists recommend preventative oral care over emergency care.

1. Protect Your Teeth From Cavities

Prevention of cavities is one of the most notable benefits of preventive dentistry. Even if you brush and floss thoroughly, there'll always be certain areas of your mouth you'll miss. Plaque and tartar accumulation can be removed, and painful cavities can be prevented with professional teeth cleaning. To further safeguard teeth from decay, dentists may use fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

2. Prevent Gum Disease

If you don't remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums on a regular basis, you increase your chances of getting periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (which can destroy the jaw bones). If your dentist notices any early warning signs of gum disease, they'll take preventative measures to soothe your gums and prevent further damage.


The degradation of tooth enamel and the presence of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth can be avoided with preventative measures like fluoride treatments.

3. Get Rid of Bad Breath

An undesirable side effect of poor oral hygiene is bad breath. This may also indicate decay or an infection. Regular dental cleanings and preventive treatments can help you figure out what's causing your foul breath and fix it for good.

4. Detect Jaw Problems Early

Many people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or bruxism (teeth grinding) are blissfully unaware of their condition. Complications that might arise if these disorders are ignored include misalignment of the jaw and extreme tension headaches. Dentists can flag the early warning symptoms of these conditions and provide you with special preventative devices.

5. Avoid Serious Health Problems

Some dangerous diseases have their origins in the mouth. Untreated tooth decay and poor dental hygiene can cause inflammation throughout the body, which increases the risk of many different diseases. This is because bacteria can easily make their way into the bloodstream through an unsanitary mouth.


Diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and respiratory disorders have all been related to poor dental health. Premature birth and low birth weight have also been linked to poor dental hygiene in pregnant women.


The state of one's oral hygiene can be indicative of overall health. Skipping dental checkups might delay the detection of systemic diseases that can have devastating effects on your health. Therefore, preventative dentistry serves a beneficial and important purpose. Contact Premier Dental Center to book an appointment with one of our dentists today!

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