To avoid dental problems in the future, preventive dentistry entails maintaining excellent oral hygiene, which includes both in-office and at-home procedures. Instead of attempting to undo the harm already done, preventing dental health issues in the early stages is much simpler. Furthermore, prophylactic dental care lowers the chance of developing cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis, enamel erosion, and other conditions. It is critical to understand that some oral health concerns can progress into much more severe conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, osteoporosis, and sometimes cancer. Wichita Falls dental practice can help you take the best care of your teeth.
What is Involved in Preventive Dentistry?
A variety of in-office and at-home procedures are used in preventive dentistry, including:
- Promoting proper oral care practices, such as twice-daily cleaning and flossing
- Change your toothbrush at least twice a year
- Using mouthwash to remove food remnants from your teeth after brushing
- Your dentist should conduct regular mouth examinations every six months.
- Routine X-rays are taken by your dentist to detect issues that are not apparent to the unaided eye
- A nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes staying away from sugary foods and beverages and consuming plenty of calcium
- Protection use during certain activities.
- Consult your doctor about donning a mouth guard at night if you have an issue with grinding your teeth.
Oral Examinations and Cleanings
The cornerstone of preventive dental treatment is routine exams that include expert cleanings. Your dentist will search for any indications of caries caused by dental decay, enamel loss, or both. These signs—which you might not have noticed—include:
- The surface of a molar has soft spots.
- Enamel discoloration.
- Gingivitis and plaque buildup.
Additional Issues That Can be Found During Dental Examinations Include :
- Deep gaps between your teeth and gums may be a sign of periodontal disease (periodontitis).
- Signs of pharynx or oral cancer.
Professional tooth cleaning is usually part of dental exams to get rid of calculus and infectious plaque, which can accumulate even when you brush and floss frequently. Only a doctor or tooth hygienist can remove plaque once it has turned into tartar (calculus).
Dental Preventive Care at Home
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums between dental appointments is crucial to maintain your oral hygiene regimen at home.
You should:
- In the morning and right before night, brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, ideally with fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- To get rid of food bits stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush can not, floss every day.
