The Tribune

By Dr Sparkman Ferguson

I was giving a talk recently on “preventive dentistry” and the practice of it. A member of the audience admitted to not practicing preventive dentistry and asked of me what was he practicing.

Without thinking the words were out of my mouth, “You are practicing ‘crisis dentistry’.”

This is not official dental terminology, but it fits and describes a particular set of behaviours. I continue to use this handy phrase.

What is preventive dentistry, and why do dentists refer to it so often?

Preventive dentistry is a group of great habits that when practiced, assist in warding off potential dental disease, and in so doing preserve and maintain dental health.

Included in preventive dentistry practices are the following:

Daily home care (brushing and flossing), yearly routine checkups and professional cleaning, yearly dental imaging (X-rays), dental protective sealants for children, and prompt attention to early teeth disease or gum disease if /when they appear.

Dentists refer to preventive dentistry often because it is by far the most efficient, and less expensive route to good dental health. Preventing all forms of dental disease is where we all need to be, but it does take some effort on the part of each individual.

People are often shocked at the cost to rehabilitate damaged teeth and gums, yet further complicate the process by choosing to do nothing about it. Eventually, such an individual winds up losing all their natural teeth.

What is crisis dentistry, and why do dentists warn against it?

Crisis dentistry is behaviour (conscious or unconscious) toward ones oral health where only “pain” signals a need to seek professional care.

It speaks to every form of dental neglect known and is the direct opposite of preventive dentistry.

Dentists warn against “crisis dentistry” behaviour for many reasons.

The person always requires emergency care. Severe pain and suffering is usually involved. Expensive treatments can be encountered. Incapacitation can be involved with loss of the ability to work, or carry out one’s regular duties.

Young children and high school youth frequently get caught in the crossfire of crisis dentistry if this is the practice of their parents.

When parents are neglectful concerning mouth health, their children usually suffer unnecessary dental pains.

Conclusion

It is unfathomable why any person would choose to willingly subscribe to “crisis dentistry”. There is not one positive thing associated with it. The losses are always great, and so are the inconveniences.

Our community is admonished to abandon the practice of “crisis dentistry” and adopt the practice of preventive dentistry.