Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your mouth healthy in order to save you money. It starts with you taking good care of your mouth at home by brushing at least two times per day, flossing daily, and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Preventive dentistry also includes procedures performed by dentists that protect teeth against common dental issues, like periodontal disease and tooth decay.
This article will explore a few of the simple things that help keep the teeth and gums healthy for the long term.
Brushing helps remove acids, plaque, and bacteria in the mouth. Acids made by oral bacteria lead to tooth decay, and plaque turns into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day. Brushing twice a day helps minimize the exposure that teeth have to acids that can damage them. It also minimizes tartar buildup in the mouth.
The most crucial time to brush teeth is before going to sleep. This is the most vulnerable time for a person’s teeth and gums because saliva production is reduced during sleep.
Brushing does not give teeth complete protection from tooth decay because the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach interdental spaces. Flossing once a day is enough to keep these tight spaces clean.
Using mouthwash is not necessary for good oral hygiene, but it does provide various benefits. For one thing, mouthwash helps clean the areas that brushing and flossing miss. Mouthwashes can also be infused with beneficial ingredients, like cavity protection, tartar control, or antibacterial properties. Mouthwash can even re-mineralize teeth with essential minerals like fluoride.
Sugar is bad for your teeth because oral bacteria eat sugars to create the acids that destroy teeth, so keep sugary drinks and foods to a minimum and try to rinse out the mouth with water after consuming them. Avoid sipping or snacking on sweet things all day long, as that ensures that oral bacteria have all that they need to damage teeth structures.
Drinking water helps remove food particles and sugars leftover from meals. Most public water systems in developed countries are fluoridated, so drinking water also helps re-mineralize teeth.
Habits like biting fingernails or using the teeth to open packages can damage teeth structures. Avoid such activities to keep teeth healthy.
Dentists perform dental examinations during these routine appointments, as well as preventive procedures like teeth cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments. Issues detected can also be addressed during these appointments.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums can save you money in the long run. Call or stop by our Jackson Heights clinic to learn more about preventive dentistry.
Request an appointment here: https://apprehensivedentalcare.com or call Apprehensive Dental Care at (718) 210-9747 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventive Dentistry in Jackson Heights, NY.
A preventative dentistry question people commonly have is, "what stains teeth the most?" We will look at some of the foods and beverages that are teeth staining to help you avoid these and keep a white smile longer. There are lots of different foods that can stain teeth. Some are well known and obvious. Blueberries, for…
Wondering just how beneficial a professional dental cleaning is? Routine dental cleanings help patients avoid dental-related problems by removing hardened plaque and calculus. Most patients need to undergo these cleanings twice a year.Preventive dentistry aims to keep a patient's mouth healthy so they do not have to undergo dental treatments to experience a healthy mouth.…
A dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health because it removes buildups of plaque and tartar. Additionally, they keep the teeth and gums appearing healthy and strong. Routine dental cleanings are typically done in a general dentistry setting because general dentists are the main point of contact for ensuring good dental…
While many people believe that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain good oral health, regular dental cleaning appointments are actually crucial. Without regular dental cleanings, the teeth and gums are susceptible to infection and decay, both of which can be detrimental to their oral and overall health.General dentists recommend dental cleaning appointments twice a…
Emergency dentistry for a root canal is sometimes the only way to relieve your pain. Some patients may have a root canal scheduled for a future date, but they find themselves in severe pain at an inconvenient time because of tooth pain. There may even be times when a patient may not realize they need…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…