You probably get the oil changed in your car and have the auto shop check it over periodically to identify small issues that can easily be fixed, right? Preventative care for your car is essential to protect the investment you have made in your vehicle. Your teeth are no different.
Preventative dentistry is the same thing. It is the practice of taking care of your teeth with a solid daily oral health routine as well as regular checkups and cleanings. These actions will head off damage to your teeth and your oral health by catching cavities, gum problems, and tooth sensitivity early.
In this article, we dive into the topic of preventative dentistry to help you ensure that your dental health never spirals out of control.
Exactly What Is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry simply means taking the steps necessary to prevent larger problems with your teeth before they happen. This involves good brushing and flossing skills at home, as well as preventative dentistry services like going to your dentist twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and examined. To go back to the analogy with car care, it’s like going in for an oil change even though the oil seems to be fine.
Problems like cavities, gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath), and thrush can be hiding in your mouth while you may still be doing what you can at home. Your dentist, however, is trained to look deeper, which is why they take X-rays periodically to ensure nothing is hiding. If it is, corrective measures can be taken to halt the problem before it gets any worse and more expensive.
One aspect of preventative dentistry you may not have considered involves a possible need for probiotics for an imbalanced microbiome in your mouth. The oral microbiome contains beneficial bacteria, but when it becomes imbalanced it can result in inflammation, gum disease, oral thrush, and other issues. Probiotics taken at home will help bring balance to this microbiome.
Visiting your dentist can prevent future problems by early intervention with dental or orthodontic issues. For instance, they may suggest orthodontic treatment (or refer you to an orthodontist, if they don’t do it) if it appears your permanent teeth don’t fit properly in your mouth. Or they may see that you need one or more teeth straightened to prevent problems like a TMJ disorder and even sleep apnea.
Let’s get into the details of your role in keeping your teeth healthy.
How To Avoid Major Dental Procedures
Building effective oral health practices into your daily routine is essential. If you have children, begin showing them how to do this as early as you can, certainly when they begin brushing their teeth. (See this article to get more information about children under six.)
If you never learned them yourself or you have gotten lax, it’s never too late to begin or restart these good habits:
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily
Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle towards your gum line; brush in gentle circles. Don’t use medium or hard bristled-toothbrushes, as they can damage the enamel on your teeth and this leads to sensitive teeth. Use a fluoride toothpaste. (Discuss this with your child’s dentist first.)
Adequate saliva production will keep your mouth healthier. This is why brushing first thing in the morning is important, too, since saliva production is low when you sleep.
There are many inexpensive electric toothbrushes available that come with replaceable brush heads. These can provide better brushing power and effectively clean lower below the gum line.
Replace your brush head or your manual toothbrush every three months. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at cleaning. Dry your toothbrush out after using it and leave the brush head up and away from your toilet. Close the lid of the toilet before flushing. You don’t want to add germs to the brush as it dries.
Also, make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing is another way to get into places where your toothbrush doesn’t reach and removes plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a residue of food and other debris that remains on your teeth when you aren’t bruising enough or properly. It hardens and turns into tartar, and leads to cavities and gum disease. Flossing also removes bacteria from your mouth and prevents bad breath.
Eat a Balanced, Preventative Diet
Yes, your diet affects your teeth and overall oral health. A teeth-friendly diet must include minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as adequate fiber. These are the same recommendations given for your overall diet. You must also limit your sugar intake and avoid excess starch and highly acidic foods.
Eat and drink the following:
- Water
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Fiber
- Whole grains
- Fatty fish
- Dairy products
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
- Garlic, onion
- Unsweetened green tea
- Celery, carrots
- Apples, pears
Limit the following:
- Sticky foods, like candy or dried fruit
- Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks
- Highly acidic foods, like citrus
- Complex carbohydrates, including bread
- Alcohol
By following these diet guidelines, your physical health benefits, including your teeth.
WDA is a Trusted Part of Your Preventative Oral Health Team!
Preventative dentistry means caring for your teeth every day with a solid daily oral health routine and keeping up with regular checkups and cleanings. These actions will prevent poor oral health and head off damage to your teeth by catching cavities, gum problems, and tooth sensitivity early.
Ready to prioritize your oral health? At Wilmington Dental Associates, we believe in the power of preventative dentistry. Our team specializes in keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, preventing future problems, and ensuring a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today!