Taking good care of yourself is the best way to stay healthy. The same is true for taking care of your teeth. If you practice diligent oral hygiene and visit the dental office for regular checkups, you’re much less likely to have a major problem with your oral health.
Preventive Dentistry
Your dentist has probably told you that it’s best to visit every six months or so for regular checkups, X-rays, cleaning, and fluoride treatments. These visits can help your dentist monitor the condition of your teeth, so that if there is a problem, it can be diagnosed early, while it is still easily treated. If you wait to go to the dentist until you have an obvious problem, it’s often progressed to the point where treatment will be more invasive and more expensive than it would have been if your dentist had caught it in its early stages. This includes everything from cavities to gum disease to oral cancer.
Cleaning, sealants, and fluoride treatments help prevent problems before they start. Sealants on the molars keep food particles from becoming wedged in the tooth’s nooks and crannies. Fluoride treatments can help remineralize the tooth, reversing early cavities. Professional cleaning goes above and beyond what you can accomplish at home with your toothbrush, removing plaque and tartar that has built up between your appointments.
At-Home Oral Care
In addition to visiting your dentist, you should be sure to take good care of your teeth at home. This involves regular brushing and flossing, as well as protecting your teeth from possible injury or damage. If you play a contact sport, wear a mouthguard, and wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle or motorcycle. Also be careful to avoid falls, which is a common cause of oral injuries. If surfaces are slick, such as in the winter, wear appropriate footwear. If you like to hike, be careful on uneven surfaces. All these precautions can help keep your mouth and teeth healthy and undamaged.
For more tips, contact our office today!
