What Is Your Role In Preventive Oral Care?

Excellent oral health is vital to maintaining a fully functional and beautiful smile. Generally, maintaining a healthy mouth relies hugely on preventive care. It entails preventing oral issues like gum disease and tooth decay from developing. By preventing oral issues, you prevent yourself from numerous complications like:

• Poor bite function
• Low self-esteem
• Unattractive smile
• Oral discomfort or pain
• Oral inflammation
• Speech problems
• Poor school performance
• Malnutrition
• Swallowing difficulties
• Death (issues like oral cancers can be fatal)

It’s also worth noting that your oral health connects to your overall health. Poor oral health can worsen or increase your risk of developing health issues like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and respiratory problems. Contact our dentist for preventive dentistry in Bristol, CT.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry uses several techniques and procedures to prevent oral issues from developing. Most people only focus on good at-home oral hygiene and habits. However, that’s not enough to maintain excellent oral and overall health. You should combine it with other preventive dental services. Most dental offices offer preventive services such as:

• Dental exams and cleanings
• Routine x-rays and oral cancer screening
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental Sealants

These preventive services will keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years. Your chances of developing secondary health issues from poor rental health reduce significantly.

Your Role in Preventive Dentistry

Generally, preventive dental care begins with you. Furthermore, it’s for your good to have strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth, gums, and mouth. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in special tools or products. Below are some tips for maintaining excellent oral and overall health.

• Brush at least twice daily.

Dental experts recommend brushing at least twice daily, in the morning and before bed. You can also brush after every meal, especially if you have dental work like dentures and braces or conditions like gum disease. Ensure you brush gently and thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush that doesn’t erode or hurt your gums. Replace your brush every three months.

Brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue prevents a buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, protecting you from oral issues like gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and oral thrush.

• Floss at least once daily.

Flossing is essential to remove food particles and other debris trapped between your teeth. Flossing allows you to maneuver through tight spaces between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. It prevents plaque and tartar from forming, causing gum disease and tooth decay.

• Regular dental checkups and cleanings

It’s essential to see your dentist at least twice yearly for routine dental cleanings and exams. The dentist will examine your mouth, including the teeth, gums, jawbone, throat, lips, and tongue, during the exam. The dentist looks for potential issues like cavities, decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other health conditions. The dentist may also perform x-rays and oral cancer screening.

After the exam, the dentist will clean your mouth to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria on your teeth and around the gum line. These deposits attack your teeth’ enamel and irritate the gums if not treated. Routine dental checkups are essential for preventing dental caries and gum disease.

• Eat healthy.

Your diet plays a crucial role in promoting healthy teeth and gums. You can consult your nutritionist about gum- and teeth-friendly foods rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. Be sure to avoid foods high in carbohydrates, sugar, and acids as they can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Also, avoid hard and chewy items as they can cause your teeth to chip, crack, or break. Always stay hydrated to prevent a dry mouth.

• Quit tobacco use.

Smoking is a common risk factor for several oral issues like gum disease, dry mouth, teeth staining, and oral cancers. Smoking can also delay wound healing and post-surgery complications.

• Wear a mouthguard.

If you have bruxism, wear a night guard to reduce the symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching when sleeping. Also, wear a sports guard to protect your mouth from sports accidents when participating in contact sports. Ensure you get a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist for maximum protection and comfort.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about preventive dentistry, or would you like to schedule a dental exam and cleaning appointment? Contact Admire Dental – Bristol to schedule an appointment with our dentist.