Preventive dentistry is key for keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. It also helps maintain good oral health by addressing issues before they worsen. With that said, preventative dental care can also assist with your overall health.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry aims to “prevent” cavities, enamel wear, gum disease, and other oral health issues that may occur. By taking preventative care measures, you and your dentist work hand-in-hand to ensure that your oral wellness is secured.
There are a variety of preventive dental care actions. They include daily oral hygiene routines, as well as regular visits to your dentist in Burkburnett. Lastly, positive lifestyle changes can help, too.
Preventive Dentistry Steps and Oral Health
Each dental care measure taken helps you work towards good oral health. Encouraging your children to develop proper habits early on will decrease their chances of cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and more. Below are some examples.
Brush Daily!
When you brush your teeth twice a day, you clean food and plaque that cause cavities and gingivitis. Use a fluoride toothpaste, and replace your toothbrush at least three to four times, yearly. While brushing, don’t ignore your tongue! It also contains bacteria that need to go. Brushing your tongue helps freshen breath, too.
If you have kids, brush your teeth each morning and night, together. This will help them establish a nice oral hygiene routine. Remember, our children mimic our best (and sometimes worst) habits.
Floss It Up
Flossing each day removes food stuck between your teeth. This can turn into plaque. To get the most out of flossing, talk to the dentist during your next visit. They can offer a demonstration and tips to ensure you are doing it properly. After all, you want to get the full benefits from this, if you are putting the effort in!
Don’t forget to use mouthwash after flossing. A mouthwash rinse removes even smaller food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
Visit A Dentist In Burkburnett, TX
Speaking of visiting your dentist, make sure to book a check-up exam at least twice a year. These appointments help to identify any issues that arise with your teeth and gums. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends check-up and hygiene appointments every six months.
Regular visits can address any problems early on before they turn into something complicated. Plus, dental cleanings can create an added layer to help with bacteria build-up. Meanwhile, dental exams during check-ups also allow your dentist to keep a close eye on every aspect of your oral health. This can protect you from potential infection, mouth cancer, or an unbalanced bite.
If you grind your teeth or play sports, you may be advised to wear a mouthguard. If you snore, your dentist could suggest a sleep apnea appliance. Regular check-ups also can help diagnose symptoms of TMJ disorder to avoid migraines or chronic headaches.
Lastly, look into your work’s dental insurance coverage. There are many plans out there that allow for one or two dental check-ups, each year.
Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Something often overlooked when it comes to preventive dentistry is diet and a healthy lifestyle. Foods that are high in acid can be harmful to tooth enamel. Additionally, sugary foods can increase the chances of cavities. Lastly, hard foods (i.e. candy, some nuts, etc.) can often damage or chip your teeth. Keep these tips in mind when it comes to meals and snacks.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s hard for plaque to build up in a hydrated and clean mouth. Plus, water helps to dilute acids that can harm your enamel.
Another thing to think about is tobacco. Smoking or chewing these types of products can lead to oral cancers and added dental issues.
A reminder for families, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits from an early age will set your kids up for success. Practicing what you preach is an important part of the process.
How Good Oral Health Can Affect Your Overall Health
The good news is that preventive dentistry helps with good oral health. The even better news is that these measures can also be good for your body.
Some condition connected to poor oral health include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Respiratory disease
Low birth weight and premature birth can also occur due to poor oral health. Pregnant moms should try to adopt or continue positive preventive dentistry practices. This includes a daily oral hygiene regimen and regular dentist check-ups.
Book An Appointment With A Dentist In Burkburnett, Texas
We believe routine dentist visits are vital to maintaining the health of both your smile and body! Regular cleanings and check-ups allow us to monitor your teeth for decay or infection and review any other problems that could arise, like oral cancer, gum recession, and more. We can also help with mouth guard and sleep apnea needs.
Book an appointment today by calling (940) 569-4901.
