Preventive dentistry can make all the difference to your oral health. Practicing good preventive dental care and visiting your dentist regularly can ensure you lessen the risk of needing restorative dentistry, like fillings.
Take a look at what you need to know about preventive dentistry and what you can do to keep your oral health in the best shape.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry includes basic oral hygiene habits that help prevent the development of cavities, gingivitis or gum disease. These habits should be taken on from a young age.
They include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing after eating to remove any leftover food and using mouthwash to rinse away any remaining particles. A soft brush is often the best choice so you aren’t too harsh on your gums.
Children as young as one year old can include these habits in their daily routine so they become like second nature. It’s also important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so you can catch potential problems early.
What Will Your Dentist Do?
You should schedule a visit with your dentist every six months. At your appointment, your dentist will perform an oral examination first. Your dentist may also give you an x-ray to check for any underlying problems that aren’t visible.
At the end of your appointment, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about preventive care at home. Your dentist will be able to recommend toothpaste and mouthwash that are suited to you.
What You Can Do
There are other things you can do to prevent bad oral hygiene at home. For example, avoid acidic foods where possible. Acidic foods can be harmful to your tooth enamel and cause them to corrode quickly.
Some foods are notorious for chipping teeth or pulling out existing fillings. Avoid hard or chewy candies and foods with bones or seeds. It’s also important to always use a mouth guard if you’re taking part in contact sports.
Your dentist will always advise you to never smoke or use tobacco products because it can damage your overall health, not to mention your oral health. If you find you have a habit of grinding your teeth, ask your dentist for a mouthguard to stop receding gums.
Benefits Of Preventive Dental Care
The main benefit of preventive dental care is a lowered risk of dental problems. However, it also means your dentist will be able to quickly identify any problems that do arise and treat them before they cause too much pain.
Preventive dental care also has an impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to poor overall health. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so it’s important to take good care of it.
Take a look at some more advice on the importance of preventative dentistry and contact us to schedule an appointment for a check-up.