Preventative Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. This helps to avoid more extensive procedures in the future. Keeping healthy teeth and gums can help you to avoid dental issues including decay, oral diseases, gingivitis, cavities and periodontal disease.
What Does It Involve?
- Regular Exams
Visiting the dentist for exams can be an excellent way to catch any issues early for prevention or diagnosis of problems when they are easier to treat. The dentist can provide you with professional advice tailored to your situation, so that it is the most suitable for you and will help you maintain healthy teeth. - Teeth Cleanings
Regular teeth cleaning is also essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. The dental hygienist removes bacteria in the mouth by removing the soft plaque and hard debris (calculus) on the teeth. This reduces inflammation and bleeding in the mouth. Gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are treated through regular teeth cleanings and good care at home. How often someone should be seen for cleanings depends on your level of oral disease, amount of buildup and care habits at home. - Daily Brushing and Flossing
Brushing daily allows you to remove the sugar, acids or harmful contaminants and bacteria that can build up on our teeth. Removing plaque daily helps to stop long-term negative effects on our teeth and gums. It helps to remove trapped food and using toothpaste with fluoride provides added protection for teeth. It is important to remember to brush your tongue, as this can be an area that is high in bacteria as well as changing your toothbrush regularly.
Flossing is a very important element that helps to avoid food debris and plaque from getting stuck in between teeth and causing infection or decay, particularly in the areas that the toothbrush can't reach. - Adjusting Your Diet
Ensuring a healthy, balanced diet that is not high in sugar, acidic or carbonated drinks can help maintain healthy teeth and a healthy mouth. As well, avoiding drinks such as coffee, tea and wine can minimize teeth staining. Drink plenty of water as well as consume enough vitamins and minerals that promote bone and oral health.
Who Benefits from Preventative Dentistry?
Everyone! Children and adults benefit from preventative dentistry as it helps to maintain the health of their current teeth and gums. Some may also be surprised to learn that it also benefits those without teeth as well. Whether the elderly or those who have lost their teeth prematurely, preventative dentistry can help avoid certain oral diseases as well as screen for conditions like oral cancer.
As you can see there are endless benefits to preventative dentistry. It is important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and avoid illnesses that can affect your health and body as a whole. For a consultation to discuss the best preventative dentistry for your individual needs, contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our dentists.
