New Year, New Start for Your Smile: The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry not only helps you maintain a bright, healthy smile but also protects against more serious dental issues down the road — and the new year is the perfect time to focus on keeping your smile healthy.

Take a moment as Dr. Ed Trizzino and the Smiles of Atlanta team explain the benefits of preventive dentistry for your entire family and how it fits into your plans for the new year.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry includes regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and at-home care that are designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The goal is to catch potential issues early — before they become larger problems — and to set and maintain a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

Here at Smiles of Atlanta, our list of preventive services includes:

• Routine dental exams to identify cavities, gum disease, or other concerns early
• Professional cleanings
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel
• Sealants to provide added protection for hard-to-reach teeth

Preventive care extends to your home as well. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and eating foods that support healthy teeth and gums go a long way toward keeping your entire mouth healthy.

7 benefits of preventive dentistry

Preventive care here in our Atlanta, Georgia, office can:

1. Reduce your risk of cavities

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities, and once plaque hardens into tartar, you can’t remove it at home. During your cleaning, our team removes plaque (a sticky biofilm of harmful bacteria) and even tartar. This lessens your risk of serious oral health issues.

2. Lower your risk of gum disease

Removing plaque and tartar doesn’t just reduce your risk of cavities. Plaque and tartar can irritate your gum tissue and contribute to gum infections, so removing it reduces your risk of gum disease. 

During your exam, if our team spots signs of gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease), you still have time to make changes and reverse the condition. 

3. Save money on dental costs in the long run

Catching problems early prevents the need for expensive, complex treatments like root canals or dental implants. Preventive care is a small investment compared to the cost of restorative procedures.

For example, getting a filling while your cavity is small can avert the complications of deeper decay that may warrant a root canal or an extraction. If you do need a filling, Dr. Trizzino uses mercury-free fillings as part of our commitment to holistic dentistry practices.

4. Preserve your natural smile

Your natural teeth are irreplaceable. Preventive care helps you avoid tooth loss and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

5. Support your physical health

Oral health is closely linked to physical health. Poor oral hygiene has been connected to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. 

Certain bacteria in your mouth — namely P. gingivalis, which is responsible for gum disease — can also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Taking care to eliminate harmful bacteria from your mouth can protect your gums and your brain at the same time.

In other words, when you prioritize preventive dental care, you’re also prioritizing your physical health from your brain down to your toes.

6. Sharpen your at-home oral care routine

Regular visits to Smiles of Atlanta reinforces good habits at home like brushing and flossing. That’s because Dr. Trizzino provides personalized advice based on your oral health and any underlying conditions you have to improve your oral care routine at home. 

This is especially helpful if you have a bridge and need help flossing underneath it. Our team can recommend the right flossing tools, including interdental brushes, to help you take your oral care routine to the next level.

7. Set a good example for your family

When you model good dental care, your family, children, and even friends see it. Prioritizing your dental health stresses the importance of oral care to everyone around you.

Your best smile for the new year

Let’s talk about ways to incorporate healthy oral habits into the new year:

• Schedule a dental check-up at Smiles of Atlanta, especially if it has been more than six months since your last visit 
• Invest in a high-quality toothbrush (electric options are excellent), floss, and fluoride toothpaste
• Brush twice a day, floss daily, and consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash for added protection
• Reduce sugar and acidic foods
• Eat more dairy, leafy greens, and citrus fruits; they’re all good for your gums and teeth
• Drink plenty of water 

Preventive dentistry is about more than just your teeth — it’s about setting yourself up for a healthier 2025. Schedule your next dental exam for you and your family by phone at 770-407-8459 or through our online booking system.