Thursday, October 6, 2016
What Is Preventative Dentistry And Why Is It Important?
Caring for your teeth is important. Starting good practices now can save you a lot of pain and money in the future. Preventative dentistry aims to protect the health of your teeth in both the short and long term.
What Am I Trying To Prevent?
Preventative dentistry protects you from a number of dental problems, including cavities and tooth decay. Cavities can lead to more serious problems such as abscesses. Other potentially severe issues could include gingivitis and gum disease. Poor dental health has also been linked to ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
Unless you are dealing with a more serious dental problem, you should visit your dentist once or twice a year. While you're at these regular visits, you should receive both a cleaning and a checkup. If your dentist spots a cavity early, she can usually prevent further damage by placing a filling in the tooth.
What Can I Do At Home?
Preventative dentistry starts in the home. Make sure you practice good dental care every day. If you have children, start teaching them early about the importance of taking care of their teeth. These lessons will last a lifetime.
You should brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. If you can, you should also brush about an hour after each meal, which gives your mouth time to restore its natural mineral balance. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well, as this helps remove bacteria from your mouth. And you should remember to replace your toothbrush several times a year. When you notice the bristles starting to fray, throw it out and get a new one.
Finally, you should always floss daily. This will help get food out from between your teeth where regular brushing might not reach. A good way to get kids to do this is by using floss picks, so they don't have to struggle with holding the thread between their small fingers.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid?
Foods and drinks that are highly acidic or that contain a lot of sugars may be harmful to your teeth. This can include sodas, sugary juices, fruits, and desserts. If you do choose to have one of these foods, you should try to rinse with mouthwash as soon as possible to remove the acids and sugars from your mouth. However, you shouldn't immediately brush after you eat or drink because your teeth become softer and are therefore more susceptible to damage. Drinking acidic or sugary drinks through a straw can also reduce contact with your teeth and may help prevent acid erosion.
What Else Can I Do?
Maintaining your overall physical health can have a significant impact on the health of your mouth. Drinking plenty of water can help protect your teeth by keeping your body healthy and hydrated. You can also take a multivitamin to make sure your body is getting the nutrients you need to keep your smile strong. You should also avoid smoking cigarettes or excessive alcohol consumption, as these can cause mouth cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Abigail_Aaronson/67432
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9543655
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