Oral health is one of the critical indications of overall health. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, which means that if any problems occur, they could quickly become much more severe. This is why keeping up with your preventative dental care routine is important.
We hope to help you understand why taking care of your oral health is so important and what steps to take to ensure you are as healthy as possible.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing oral diseases and maintaining good oral health. Preventive dentistry aims to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong throughout life, so you don’t need to spend much time or money on dental procedures later.
Preventative dentistry is vital for people of all ages, but it’s especially crucial for children. Because their mouths are still developing, young children must receive regular dental checkups to catch any issues early. It’s also important for adults to get regular checkups to catch any problems before they become more serious—and ultimately more expensive.
Preventive Care at Home
Preventive dentistry is an integral part of your oral health. It helps you maintain the health of your teeth, gums, and smile. Most people visit their dental offices regularly to have their teeth cleaned and examined.
However, there are many things that you can do at home to prevent problems with your teeth.
1. Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice daily is one of the most important things you can do to prevent problems with your teeth and gums. You should brush after each meal and before bedtime. If you have braces, brush around them at least once a day to ensure they stay clean and healthy.
2. Flossing
You should floss daily to remove food particles between the teeth, leading to plaque buildup if left alone over time; this can cause tooth decay or gum disease if left untreated long enough. Flossing also helps distribute natural fluoride throughout the mouth, strengthening enamel against acid attacks from bacteria or other harmful substances that may come into contact with our teeth daily (such as coffee/tea/juice).
3. Diet and Nutrition
Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth during eating or drinking. It contains millions of bacteria that can cause decay when they produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, but when it builds up, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar should not be confused with gingivitis, a gum disease caused by bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums.
4. Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Regular checkups and cleanings are important to prevent dental problems. The dentist can remove plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. A dentist can also spot early tooth decay or other oral health issues.
5. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps reduce decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Still, it can only do so much if you don’t brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use other forms of fluoride treatment such as mouthwash or tablets (also known as fluorides).
It is crucial to have good dental hygiene if you want to prevent cavities. It is also essential to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. This way, you can catch cavities early and prevent them from becoming more serious problems.
Visit your dentist in Redmond, Woodinville, or Everett Washington, and get your teeth cleaned and checked. Eckland Family Dentistry is a family-friendly dental practice that offers a wide range of services to help you maintain your smile. Contact us now to schedule your appointment and get started on a healthy smile.
