Preventive Care: The Foundation of Your Dental Health

Preventive Care: The Foundation of Your Dental Health

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If you had to name the most important services your dentist offers, preventive dental care should be among your top answers. Routine check-ups with your dentist keep your teeth healthier, your oral health better, and maintain the natural beauty of your smile. Now, take a closer look at how good oral health maintenance creates the foundation for your dental health.  

What Is Preventive Dental Care?

Preventive dental care includes oral health maintenance activities that preserve your teeth and gums. You and your dentist participate in these activities to maintain the cleanliness of your whole mouth.

The preventive portion of general dentistry refers to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits lower your chances of dental decay, gum disease, and oral care. Taking care of your teeth and gums gives you a better-looking smile that lasts your entire life.  

Do You Need Preventive Care?

Yes! Since preventive care protects more than your teeth. It preserves and protects your gums, tongue, and mouth tissues. Everyone from infants getting their first teeth to seniors who wear dentures needs regular dental care.  

What You Can Do to Maintain Your Smile

Regular dental visits are vital to your oral health. However, you can start preventive care at home with a quality oral health routine. To keep your smile healthy and looking great, do the following every day:  

• Brush your teeth for two minutes to thoroughly clean food residue from your teeth.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your enamel.

• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste to prevent cavities.

• Floss at least once a day to protect your teeth from cavities between the teeth.

• Wait 30 minutes after brushing before eating or drinking to allow the teeth to absorb the cavity-fighting fluoride.

• Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and a low amount of foods with added sugars.  

• Stop smoking and using tobacco products that can stain teeth and increase the chances of oral health problems.

• Lower alcohol intake if your dentist or doctor recommends it to maintain overall good health.  

When to See Your Dentist for Routine Check-Ups

You do a lot of the work of preventive care, but your dentist will also help in the process. Keep up with your dentist-recommended cleaning and check-up schedule. Most people only need to see the dentist twice a year. Some with more complex dental issues, such as gum disease, may have to make more frequent appointments.  

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, your dentist and dental hygienist will work together to provide the following services:  

• The hygienist cleans off plaque and tartar from the teeth that can cause stains and lead to cavities.  

• Your dental hygienist can remove minor tooth stains and polish your teeth, so your smile looks great when you walk out of the office.  

• The dentist examines you for signs of oral cancer, which is readily treatable and frequently cured when found in its early stages.  

• Your dentist or hygienist can advise you on which toothpastes or toothbrushes to use and how to use them effectively.  

• The dentist examines your teeth and takes images to identify and treat cavities or decay.  

• If you need treatment, the dentist can schedule you to return for the appropriate type of care you need.  

Start Today on a New Routine to Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Preventive oral care starts with the routine maintenance you do at home. You also need a dental partner to help with professional cleanings and exams. For a dentist in San Diego that uses the latest in dental technology and really cares about their patients' experiences, contact the team at Origin Dental.

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