Introduction
Preventative dentistry is the process of keeping your teeth clean and healthy. By performing this type of dentistry, you can prevent problems, such as gum disease, wear and tear of the enamel and cavities. Preventative dentistry also involves making regular visits to the dentist. This is a health professional who specializes in the care and treatment of teeth and gums. The dentist also takes care of mouth tissue to ensure that there are no unwanted bacteria that can cause infections. Good oral hygiene should be taught to kids too, so that they can adopt preventative dentistry from an early age.
What does preventative dentistry involve?
There are a number of activities that are a part of preventative dentistry. They include:
1. Brushing your teeth
2. Flossing
3. Eating healthy
4. Visiting your dentist
Brushing your teeth after every meal
This is the easiest activity to perform in preventative dentistry. You can perform it at your home, at school or even at the office. Various dental health organizations encourage us to use fluoride toothpaste when we brush our teeth. In addition to that, we should replace our toothbrushes every three months. While brushing your teeth, remember to brush your tongue. It is an ideal location for harmful bacteria to hide and multiply.
Floss daily
This is a major part of dental health. Flossing gets rid of any food particles that could be stuck in the spaces between your teeth. You should always ensure that you are flossing the right way. A dentist can guide you on the right method to use. In addition to that, if you have braces, you need to invest in some floss threaders. These ones will assist you to get between the metal brackets in your braces.
Eat healthy
We are what we eat. This statement applies to all the parts of your body including your teeth. One of the activities that you should perform in preventative dentistry is to eat food and fruit that provides you with nutrients which are good for your teeth. A major factor in this activity is to limit the amount of sugar that you consume. This can be sugar from sweets, soda and cake. Moreover, ensure that you take plenty of water throughout your day. Fruits are a great source of vitamins that are good for your teeth.
Visit your dentist
It is highly important to go and visit your dentist at least once every year. They can perform a specialized examination to analyze your teeth for any problems. They also check your gums to ensure that they are healthy. The dentist can also clean your teeth during these visits. This is to get rid of any plaque and tartar that could have accumulated. You can check your insurance to see if these visits are covered. Normally, dental insurance policies cover two visits to the dentist every year.
Conclusion
By performing these activities with dedication, you can perform effective preventative dentistry. It is better to prevent dental problems than to treat them. Maintaining high dental hygiene protects you from cavities, gingivitis and even bad breath. It is an important concept to adopt for adults and children too.