An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That homespun saying may be good advice for auto mufflers or washing machines, but it doesn't apply to dental care. Dentistry focuses on regular preventive care to offset more serious and expensive care later.

Putting off visits now can cause problems later

Most dental problems start out small and may be hard to detect in the early stages. If your teeth and gums feel fine, it could be tempting to put off regular visits to your dentist. However, delaying checkups and treatment can lead to serious problems later on. The plaque you didn't notice can lead to gum disease. The sensitivity to hot and cold you ignored can be a sign of an abscess, cavity, inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), cracked tooth or receding gums.

The following steps help maintain a healthy mouth and are a vital part of preventive care: regular brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary foods, and having regular checkups, cleanings and X-rays. Check out some of the  topics on this web site to learn more specifically about how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime!

Budget concerns?

If you're concerned about cost, don't hesitate to tell your dentist what's on your mind. In addition to treatment alternatives, most dentists have one or more payment options. And often treatment can be scheduled over a period of time, which also spreads out the cost.

In addition several clinics offer services on a sliding scale or reduced fee basis. Click to view a list of dental care facilities in Minnesota: Resources for on-going care

Keep these commandments

Here are the American Dental Association's seven commandments to keep your smile healthy:

• I will not use my teeth as a tool to crack nuts, pull staples or tear open plastic wrappers.
• I will not chew ice. (Exposing teeth to such a hard, cold substance can cause cracks in the enamel and weaken the structure of the tooth.)
• I will wear a mouthguard when I play sports or ride a bike.
• I will avoid biting down on hard foods like peanut brittle, hard rolls, popcorn kernels and hard candy.
• I will avoid sticky foods. (They cling to the teeth and expose enamel to acid attacks that cause cavities.)
• I will brush and floss regularly.
• I will have my mouth checked by a dentist at least once a year.