In many cases, preventative dentistry is the most effective method to avoid costly and painful procedures later on. While some of these procedures are done in-office, many methods of preventative care are logical steps used to care for your teeth and maintain good oral health.
Below, we outline our most useful suggestions for good oral hygiene that will help your smile for years to come.
Regular Dental Visits
Dental visits should start as soon as a child begins showing their teeth and continue on a twice yearly basis for the rest of their life. This allows for regular dental exams and cleanings, covering a wide range of preventative care methods ranging from removing plaque, brushing on sealants, and even screening for oral cancer. The following are a list of the most popular in-office treatments for preventative dental care.
- Cleanings
A professional cleaning every 6 months is the key to good oral health. Not only does the procedure deep clean the surface of your teeth, it allows your dentist to assess your mouth for signs of dental disease. For oral diseases such as gingivitis, this kind of early detection is imperative to the ailments not progressing to the point of no return. - Dental sealants
Teeth, especially back molars, are heavily grooved. These grooves create a safe haven for bacteria to grow and turn into surface decay. However, with a simple dental treatment your dentist can apply topical sealant to the tooth. This substance fills the grooves of the teeth making it less likely for those areas of the mouth to harbor bacteria. - Fluoride Treatments
Unlike products found in the drugstore, fluoride treatments done at your dentist’s office are of a much higher concentration. They can be applied to your teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish, and help keep the external layer of your tooth resilient against demineralization that comes with eating acidic and sugary foods. - X-rays
Getting regular x-rays are important to finding cavities and decay in areas of the tooth not visible to the naked eye. These images also help identify any other issues that might be occurring such as teeth impacted below the gumline. - Mouthguards
For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, the health of their teeth and their jaw could be at risk. To have a well-fitting mouthguard, it is important to have your dentist create an accurate impression of your teeth, allowing them to make a mold that fits perfectly in your mouth with as little sleep interference as possible.
While this list is non-exhaustive, it represents some of the most useful procedures for individuals looking to stave off poor oral health.
Practicing Preventative Care at Home
The most meaningful form of preventative dentistry is the type that occurs at home. This is because most dental health problems are avoidable with the right daily care routine.
The most basic and important care technique is brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. By removing bacterial buildup and dislodging food, you greatly reduce the chances of enamel-eroding bacteria creating pits, decay, and cavities in your teeth.
To make brushing more effective, it’s important to brush for at least 2 minutes, ideally with a soft brush, fluoride toothpaste, and following with a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride is an important component to this routine as it further prevents cavities, sometimes even reversing newer cavities as they begin.
Visiting Your Dental Office in Mesa, Arizona
Nothing is a better prevention than ongoing oral care. This includes not only brushing, but making sure to give special attention to cleaning at the gum line and taking extra precautions such as using an antibacterial mouth rinse. In combination, these measures are good for your overall health, gum tissue, and stave off other tooth-related health problems such as receding gums, tooth decay and cavities.
While we like to be a source of information for anyone researching on the internet, East Valley Dental Professionals has made its home in Mesa, Arizona. Established in the 1980s, we take great pride in having local clients who receive the best dental care and the best service.
Are you looking for a dentist who is the right fit for you? Our staff cares, and they are ready and waiting to assist you in scheduling a consultation. Give us a call at 480-838-3033 to schedule your appointment today. We are only one call away from a healthier smile.