When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, most people think of the routine visits to the dentist and the occasional teeth cleaning. How typical?
However, there’s a growing emphasis on a more comprehensive approach known as proactive dentistry. This method focuses on “prevention rather than reaction”, aiming to identify potential issues before they become serious problems. In this article, we’ll explore what proactive dentistry entails, its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into your oral care routine.
What is Proactive Dentistry?
Proactive dentistry is a preventive approach to oral health care that emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups, early detection, and education. Rather than waiting for dental issues like cavities or gum disease to develop, proactive dentistry encourages individuals to take charge of their dental health through regular assessments and preventive measures.
My goal is to take a friendly CSI approach to allow you to live longer with better health, and even smile more with less aggravation. This will help extend your life and enjoyment.
More broadly, longevity demands a paradigm shifting approach to dentistry and medicine. One that directs our efforts towards preventing long-term disease and improving our health by living better, and not waiting until the disease has taken hold and you are in trouble.
Let’s call this proactive dentistry. It has the potential to not only extend your life but also relieve vast amounts of suffering as you get older.
My personal story with proactive dentistry…
Years ago, around 2011, when I was president of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry), I ballooned up to 250 pounds and was tired more than ever!You can imagine why!
For an athletic person, I had finally earned myself a “Dad bod”. My doctors alarmed me with a pre-diabetic diagnosis and my cardiovascular health was in major danger.The seriousness of the situation was the wake-up call I needed. Thankfully, I made major strategic changes that included losing 75 pounds that has improved my current enjoyment of life and my future.
In addition, I have learned that pre-diabetes can lead to other things like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Now, I’m extremely grateful for that past lesson. That experience inspired me to make changes, as well, in how your Flax Dental team serves our patients.
My approach to longevity has always firmly rooted in science and minimizing risks, as I learned many years ago from training with the world-renowned dentist Dr. John Kois. This approach is similar to the insights of Dr Peter Attia who has taken a proactive approach in medicine. His best- selling book “Outlive” is worth a read or listen.
There is an art to figuring out how and when to apply this knowledge to YOU, our patient, with changes as you age, your health history, your habits, as well as your goals. Very much like solving a Rubik’s Cube.
Back in the 1990’s, the concept of the “mouth body connection” became popular. Unfortunately, today this is often given lip service, as healthcare is less personalized. Whatever happened to actually having a conversation with your friendly and attentive doctor?
Key Components of Proactive Dentistry
- Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups are crucial. Dentists can spot early signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
- Comprehensive Examinations: These include X-rays, oral cancer screenings, and assessments of your bite and jaw alignment, ensuring that all aspects of your dental health are monitored.
- Personalized Oral Hygiene Plans: Each individual’s needs are different. A proactive dentist will create a tailored oral care plan, including recommendations for at-home care, dietary adjustments, and more. I am a very strong advocated for my patients and truly prioritize their value above everything else.
- Education and Awareness: Knowledge is power. Proactive dentistry focuses on educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, the importance of diet, and how lifestyle choices affect dental health.
- Sealants and Fluoride Treatments: These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, especially in children and teenagers.
Benefits of Proactive Dentistry
- Early Detection: By identifying potential problems early, proactive dentistry can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious conditions that require extensive treatment.
- Cost-Effective: Preventive care is typically less expensive than restorative procedures. Investing in regular check-ups and preventive treatments can save you money in the long run.
- Improved Overall Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. By maintaining good dental hygiene, you can reduce the risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Enhanced Comfort: Preventing dental problems means fewer painful procedures and discomfort associated with dental treatments.
- Confidence Boost: A healthy, beautiful smile can significantly enhance your self-esteem and confidence.
Conclusion
Proactive dentistry is not just a passing “trend”; it’s a sensible approach to maintaining oral health that can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles. By focusing on prevention, education, and early intervention, you can avoid many common dental problems and enjoy better overall health
Compared to what I was taught in dental school – just fix the problem – we believe in being different. Flax Dental offers the opportunity to collaborate with you to learn how to get better at doing things proactively. You will have to take ownership of your health, and we can be your teammate in your overall health picture.
Bottom line: Only by altering our approach to dentistry itself can we keep you out of trouble so that you can:
- Be healthier and avoid expensive emergencies
- Smile better and have more confidence for yourself and your family
- Live longer with greater comfort and enjoyment of eating and socializing