Preventative dental is the best method to practice in order to protect your mouth and teeth. It helps you reduce the number of dental treatments such as root canals, extractions, fillings, and periodontal surgery. You can save yourself from many diseases and protect your teeth for a lifetime with preventative dentistry. However, a lifetime of protection requires a lifetime of good habits and oral health.
How Can You Stop Dental Disease Through Preventative Dentistry?
There are many good habits that make up preventative dentistry. Read about them below.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a supplement which can help you reverse and stop tooth decay. There are many types of toothpaste on the market; some of them contain specific amount of fluoride. It helps you keep your teeth clean from bacteria—essentially, a toothpaste with fluoride is a stronger and better toothpaste.
Diet
Acidic foods and drinks drastically affect your teeth. Foods with high amounts of sugar can cause more damage to your teeth. If you eat a particularly acidic or sugary meal, follow it with a small snack of cheese and nuts, as the alkaline in these foods cancel the effect of the acid. Don’t drink soda, and if you need to chew gum, make sure it is sugar-free. Not only will this protect your teeth from sugar rot, but the gum will help you produce more saliva and therefore cancel out the acid in your mouth.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing is the main preventative measure for your teeth from different diseases. Brushing and flossing helps you get rid of plaque that causes tooth decay. When you are brushing twice a day, the amount of saliva increases (remember how that helps against acid?). Make sure you’re changing your toothbrush every three months or once the bristles wear out. This will help ensure that your teeth are being cleaned properly.
In addition, it never hurts to follow your brushing with mouthwash. This removes bacteria from hard-to-reach places and gives your breath a fresher scent.
Regular Checkups
Even if you follow all preventative advice, you still need regular checkups from a certified dentist. There is nothing in the world that can replace the advice of a qualified dentist. If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and gums and are looking for a specialist to help you, come visit us!
