Preventative Dentistry to Reduce Oral Health Issues

11/12/2013 by admin in General Care

The best dental visits are the ones in which you hear your dentist say that you have perfectly healthy teeth. This ideal visit is completely possible for San Diego patients who practice good oral hygiene habits and take proactive measures to prevent dental issues. If you implement the following preventative tips for your oral health, you can experience great dental visits and avoid costly repair and maintenance procedures.

Preventative Dentistry Tips

While your dentist can provide restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry procedures to help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, true preventative care begins with the individual. The daily hygiene routines you implement are the most important factor in determining your overall oral health and should include the following:

Brushing: While you likely know that brushing your teeth is important, you may not know that the way in which you brush your teeth can also impact your overall oral health. It is very important that you brush at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride to fight the bacteria that tends to build up during the day. It is also important to use a toothbrush that is soft-bristled to avoid damage to the teeth’s enamel.
Flossing: Try to imagine if you only took the time to brush one side of your teeth. This is similar to what occurs if you do not take time to floss. Neglecting to floss allows plaque to gather between the teeth, eventually leading to decay. For optimal health results, you should floss at least once daily and rinse your mouth when you are done.
Rinsing with mouthwash: While brushing and flossing will be sufficient for preventative care at home, you may also want to implement the use of a mouthwash to battle bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease. You should look for a product that includes the ingredients Cetylpyridinium Chloride, chlorhexidien, or fluoride for best results.

Professional Dental Care

The fact remains that there is only so much that can be done with floss and a toothbrush. This is why it is important to schedule regular dental cleanings twice a year. With the use of polishing, fluoride, and scaling treatments, your dentist can remove any remaining tartar that has built-up on your teeth. Failing to schedule regular professional teeth cleanings can lead to serious oral health issues down the road.

Professional cleaning: A professional cleaning will include scaling, which is the removal of any existing tartar that is present on the teeth and at the gum line. Your dentist will also polish your teeth, which makes the surface smooth and much less likely to allow plaque accumulation. During a regular cleaning, your dentist will also make recommendations about things you can do to further enhance your oral health.
X-rays: There are a number of dental issues that are only visible with the use of x-rays. When x-rays are taken of your teeth, your dentist can identify a potential problem prior to it turning into a major one.
Mouth guards: True preventative care is more than simply taking steps to avoid gum disease and tooth decay. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, your dentist can provide you with a mouth guard that will help avoid permanent damage to your teeth.

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