Do you want to know how to keep your teeth clean and healthy? Prevention is the key to good oral health. Preventive dentistry refers to taking care of your teeth so they stay healthy and sparkling. This includes education, treatment, as well as maintaining your gums and teeth.
Preventive dentistry can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear. These practices are important to be learned and practiced early because of their many benefits.
What is preventive dentistry? Plenty. We’ll discuss it together. Let’s talk about what you can do at your home to care for your teeth, and what the dentists will cover at the office. We will also discuss prevention for children’s teeth.
Oral Health Practices Prevention Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is about keeping your teeth healthy. These are the best practices:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Take two minutes to brush your teeth. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every few months. If your bristles become frayed, it’s better to do so sooner. Fluoride toothpaste, which is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), is also recommended.
- Floss at least once per day. It is important to clean between your teeth in order to control tooth-decaying bacteria. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and below your gumline.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will keep an eye on any concerns you may have regarding your oral health.
- A balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are vital for good oral health. Limiting sugary drinks and snack consumption is also important. Drink plenty of water each day!
Common Practices for the Office
What happens in the dental office when it comes to preventive dentistry? There is a lot! There are many procedures that can be performed in the dental chair, regardless of your age.
Guess what? Regular dental exams can be preventive. They detect decay and other health issues. Prevention is the goal of all X-Rays, oral exams, and cancer screenings.
Your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist will also recommend that you have your teeth cleaned regularly. Regular cleanings can prevent periodontal disease, and keep your gum tissue healthy.
A local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove tartar (hardened) plaque from your teeth. It will make your mouth feel cleaner and prevent any plaque from forming into something that could cause damage to your oral health.
Your dentist will tell you how often you should visit them. The frequency of visits will vary depending on your oral health and the condition of your teeth. Some people only need to visit twice a year while others might need to visit more frequently.
Treatment for Children
It is important to have preventive dentistry done for your children. A lifetime of good dental health can be ensured by regular cleanings and exams before bacteria has the opportunity to grow.
Fluoride treatments can be a helpful measure to prevent tooth decay in children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states that topical fluoride treatments can help children strengthen their tooth enamel in the most vulnerable years.
Preventive Sealants also exist. They protect the back teeth of your children’s molars (molars). To prevent decay, sealants are applied to the teeth’s top surfaces.
Sealing these teeth immediately after they are in place can ensure that they remain cavity-free for the rest of their lives. Sealants can reduce the chance of tooth decay by almost 80% in molars.
Finally, children may require an orthodontist as their teeth grow. Your dentist will usually help you determine if braces are necessary and send you a referral. Braces and retainers can be used by an orthodontist to correct or prevent misalignment.
Preventive dentistry is the key to healthy, clean teeth. This is the best way to prevent gum disease, cavities, or other common conditions. Dental visits are not as important as oral care.
Keep up the good work of brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing every day, and following a healthy diet. Remember to see your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist on a regular basis. This includes your children.
If you don’t have preventive dentistry, start it immediately. This is a great news! You can already do amazing things for your smile and yourself by simply reading this article.