What Are the Advantages of Preventive Dental Care?

Small actions can make a big difference, especially when it comes to dental care. Did you know that implementing easy preventive dental care practices can go a long way toward avoiding cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, tooth loss, and other uncomfortable oral health issues? In fact, gum disease is associated with an increased risk of serious medical issues like heart disease and diabetes, so taking steps to keep your smile healthy can also help you achieve your best overall well-being.

Maintaining good oral health through preventive dentistry is relatively simple—there’s no need to splurge on fancy dental gadgets or go to a dentist every other week. All you need to do is:

• Follow a proper preventive dental care routine at home.
• Visit your dentist once or twice every year for preventive dentistry services.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a brilliant smile and reduce your chances of having to deal with painful or costly dental health issues down the road. Let’s take a closer look at preventive dental care and what it entails.

The Basics of Preventive Dental Care at Home

Preventive dental care is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums healthy to avoid common issues like cavities and gum disease, and it all starts at home. Maintaining a proper at-home dental care routine is absolutely essential to achieving good oral health; here’s what to do to keep your smile at its best:

Brush Your Teeth Twice Every Day

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). The best times to brush your teeth are every morning and evening before bed.

Floss Daily

Flossing is an important part of your preventive dental care routine. Be sure to gently floss once every day to remove food particles that are wedged in between teeth. If you have braces, you may need to use floss threaders to reach in between metal brackets.

Be Mindful of Your Oral Health

There are several factors beyond brushing and flossing that can influence your oral health. To help keep your smile at its best, remember these tips:

• Limit acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel.
• Regularly use mouthwash to rinse away germs and loosen wedged food particles.
• Watch how much sugar you eat and drink to help avoid cavities.
• Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products.
• Consider using a mouthguard if you play a contact sport.

The Importance of Receiving Preventive Care From a Dental Professional

Visiting your dentist one to two times every year for preventive dental care is essential to enjoying a healthy smile. Dentists and dental hygienists have the expertise and tools necessary to provide a deeper clean that’s not possible at home. Plus, dental professionals are able to see and reach areas of the mouth that you can’t by yourself.

A preventive dental care appointment involves what’s known as prophylaxis—a thorough teeth cleaning and examination to help prevent oral health issues and spot possible concerns such as oral cancer. During prophylaxis, a dentist or hygienist will:

• Remove stubborn plaque and tartar
• Clean and polish teeth to remove surface stains
• Apply a fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities
• Screen for signs of oral cancer and other potential medical conditions
• Take routine X-rays, if appropriate

Preventive Dental Care at Burns Dentistry

Burns Dentistry’s top-rated offices in Sun City, Sun City West, and Litchfield Park, Arizona, offer complete preventive dental care services from experienced dentists. To schedule your appointment, contact us today or request more information on our website.