A reliable dentist will always stress the importance of preventive dentistry and educate their patients about proper oral hygiene habits. Our article will help readers grow their understanding of preventive dental care and learn tips on an effective at-home routine.
Understanding Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dentistry is a combination of regular dental appointments and daily personal hygiene efforts at home. Professional preventive dental care includes:
- Checkups and exams at a dental office—every 6 to 12 months
- Regular x-rays or scans
- Dental cleanings twice a year
- Fluoride treatments after each cleaning
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry
The main goal of preventive dentistry is to help the patient preserve their oral health for as long as possible and avoid complicated and costly treatments. Thus, regular checkups, scans, and X-rays can help spot any rising issues before they become severe problems. It is always easier and cheaper to treat a small cavity with a dental filling than, for example, performing root canal therapy for an extensively decayed tooth.
Regular professional cleanings are also necessary, even if you are able to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home. Plaque accumulates on and between your teeth over time and turns to tartar if not removed in time. Both plaque and tartar are perfect environments for bacteria, which destroy the teeth, causing cavities, decay, and gum disease. Tartar is also impossible to remove at home by using a toothbrush, and it can be cleaned off only with special dental instruments.
Fluoride treatments help reinforce the enamel of the teeth, making them more resilient to bacteria and decay. The procedure is most effective when done every 6 to 13 months after professional cleanings.
Preventive Dentistry and General Health
Oral health is closely connected to the health of your whole body. Infections in the mouth can cause harm to the digestive system, which can also lead to issues with skin and energy levels. Gum disease is proven to be damaging to the heart, joints, and lung health and can also negatively affect blood sugar levels. Thus, by regularly taking care of your health with preventive dentistry, you can improve and maintain the health of your whole body and improve your quality of life overall.
Preventive Measures You Can Take at Home
At-home preventative measures consist of good daily oral hygiene and protecting your teeth from trauma. Follow our tips to ensure your oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice every day: in the morning (preferably after breakfast) and before going to bed. It is recommended that you spend no less than two minutes brushing.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to bacteria.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, such as toothpaste with charcoal or baking soda. This type of toothpaste can create micro scratches on the surface of your teeth. Damaged enamel stains and darkens more quickly and are also more vulnerable to bacteria.
- Similarly, use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the enamel and hurting the gums.
- Floss your teeth every evening by gently threading the floss between the teeth and making sure to clean both sides of the tooth. If flossing is challenging, try using floss threaders to make the process more convenient. Floss as the first step in your routine.
- Consider adding a mono tuft brush to your hygiene routine. Use it to thoroughly brush every tooth on all sides two to three times a week.
- Try a water flosser to enhance your daily oral hygiene. A water flosser can not replace traditional toothbrush and floss, but it is proven to be effective as an additional step in your daily routine. It can clean hard-to-reach areas in the mouth and remove food debris along the gum line, thus helping prevent cavities and gum disease. Use a water flosser before brushing your teeth to boost the effectiveness of your fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid staining foods and beverages, such as black coffee, red wine, berries, etc., or rinse your mouth immediately after the meal.
- Never use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or cracking nuts, etc., to avoid cracking or chipping your teeth.
- Be careful when playing sports and protect your teeth from physical damage with a mouthguard.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a full-service dentist in Rialto today. Specialists at Baseline Dental will conduct comprehensive examinations and apply up-to-date treatment techniques to ensure your oral health. We look forward to your and your family’s visit to our dental office.
