Prevention is always better than treatment, and preventive dental practices can help patients save money and avoid dental problems. Preventive dentistry is the practice of taking care of your teeth to keep them healthy and avoid issues such as enamel wear, cavities and gum disease. It is important for individuals to maintain proper oral hygiene and for parents to teach their children to take care of their teeth at an early age.
This is the most important dental health practice and one of the easiest to do. Patients should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It is also important for individuals to replace their toothbrushes three to four times a year or when the bristles begin to show signs of wear. Patients should also remember to brush their tongue, as this removes bacteria from their mouth and helps keep their breath fresh.
This is one of the dental health practices that most people ignore. Daily flossing is important, as it helps get rid of dirt and plaque in the tight spaces between the teeth. Flossing is especially important for patients who have braces, as it helps get between the metal brackets for a more thorough clean.
Nutrients in food can help promote oral health and reduce a patient’s risk of contracting certain diseases. Dentists advise patients to limit their sugar intake and drink lots of water throughout the day. Foods with sugars and simple carbohydrates feed the bacteria that are responsible for the production of plaque. It is also important for everyone to include vitamin C in their diet to reduce the risk of bleeding gums and scurvy. A diet rich in calcium can help strengthen bones and teeth and reduce the risk of jaw deterioration.
Even if the patient maintains proper oral hygiene, it is important for them to visit their dentist at least twice a year for check-ups. Most dental conditions are painless at first, and patients may not be aware of them until they cause significant damage. During the check-up, the dentist will look for signs of gum disease and oral decay. If the patient has any existing restorations, the dentist will look for any issues that require repair.
During dental visits, the dentist also performs oral cancer screenings to check for any abnormal issues. The earlier a problem is found, the easier it is for doctors to manage and treat it.
People who have a bad bite may have a hard time eating or speaking properly, and patients who have crooked teeth may have a hard time cleaning them. Preventive dental care helps correct these issues early on so the patient does not experience any serious health issues in the future. A dentist can recommend dental braces and teeth aligners to reduce the possibility of future complications.
A dental sealant is a thin coating that a dentist applies to the chewing surface of a patient’s molars to prevent the teeth from trapping food inside the pits and fissures. This helps reduce the risk of plaque forming inside these fissures. Most dentists apply sealants on the teeth of children as soon as the teeth erupt. Sealants can wear out, and the dentist may need to replace them after some time.
A patient who understands the outcome of poor oral hygiene is more likely to take good care of their teeth. Dentists should talk to their patients about the importance of brushing their teeth regularly and eating a balanced diet. They should also advise their patients to refrain from smoking, drinking or chewing tobacco, as these habits can lead to plaque build-up, gum disease, teeth discoloration and dry mouth.
It is possible to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong with proper preventive dental care. Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and maintain proper oral hygiene every day. Contact one of our dentists for more tips that can help reduce the possibility of dental and gum diseases.
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