How Preventive Care Helps Protect Your Teeth
Just like it’s important to go to the doctor for regular checkups to help keep your body healthy, having regular dental checkups are part of preventive care for your teeth. Preventive dentistry means caring for your teeth and keeping them healthy so you can prevent many of the most common problems. The goal of preventive care is to stay ahead of the game and keep your teeth and mouth from developing cavities, gum disease, abnormal wear on the enamel. By having regularly scheduled checkups and proper daily care many problems are prevented from occurring in the first place.; and if a problem does occur, it can be caught early enough that it is easily treatable.
Types of Preventive Dental Care
You and the dentist play major roles in preventive care. The dentist needs to examine your teeth at least once a year, and most suggest regular checkups at least every 6 months. Besides annual cleanings and regular exams to identify and take care of problems right away, there are some things you can do for your oral health.
Your part in preventive care is carrying out daily tasks needed to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. This includes brushing and flossing daily. To keep your teeth strong and healthy you should:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss once a day to keep the tight spaces between teeth clean
- Change your toothbrush out at least 3 or 4 times each year
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Eat a healthy diet as it helps keep your whole body strong and whole, as well as your teeth
- Regularly inspect your teeth and gums to check for any changes that might need attention
Benefits of Preventive Care
Every single person can benefit from preventive dental care. Children can help keep their baby teeth strong but also allow newly developing teeth to come in and remain strong. It can help older adults keep their real teeth. The mouth provides the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow. Keeping your mouth clean can help fight bacteria and help you maintain better overall health. You need your teeth to be able to eat a healthy diet and a healthy diet helps you keep your teeth, mouth and gums strong.
The other benefit of good oral hygiene and habits is you will reduce your risk of developing cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis and other types of dental problems. This also helps prevent secondary problems which can occur due to poor oral hygiene.
What will the dentist do for preventive care?
Regular checkups are a huge part of preventive care too. The dentist will usually suggest cleaning your teeth at least once a year and at regular visits he will perform a complete dental exam. He will check your mouth, teeth and gums for signs of disease or any other problems like unusual wear and tear on your teeth. A general exam will also include x-rays to diagnose anything that is typically hidden from the naked eye.
