Preventative and Maintenance Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the practice of ongoing and regular care for one's teeth to keep them healthy, and helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more.

There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing and annual dental cleanings, and these practices are designed to ensure that teeth are clean, strong, and white. Children should be taught proper oral hygiene from an early age.

The most important part of preventive dentistry is to brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse after brushing to allow the fluoride to remain in contact with your teeth for as long as possible. Daily flossing is also highly recommended. Every time you visit the dentist for a check-up, there's one question you're almost certain to hear: "Have you been flossing regularly?" For a lot of patients, the answer isn't always yes.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that proper dental care - including regular flossing - can do more than keep your smile pretty and healthy. A healthy mouth can also help prevent much more serious diseases.

Most people should replace their toothbrushes three to four times a year or as the bristles start to fray.

Annual dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them right away. People should see their dentists at least once a year for an exam to check for any problems in the teeth or gums.

Eating a balanced diet also helps to protect the teeth by providing them with the nutrients they need.

 

What Does Preventative Dentistry Do?

With good dental hygiene, patients greatly reduce their risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health.

Protecting children's newly erupted adult teeth with sealants helps to ensure they don't develop decay in their deep grooves of their posterior teeth (molars and pre-molars). 

Everyone benefits from preventive dentistry. Children in particular benefit because it allows their newly developing adult teeth to come in strong and healthy. Aging adults benefit from preventive dentistry because it helps them to keep their natural teeth.

Oral health is connected to body health as a whole. Research is suggesting that poor health of the peridontium (gums) can lead to adverse systemic health effects, including increased risk of heart attack, stroke and premature birth. This is because the mouth is a breeding ground for both harmful and helpful bacteria, and maintaining a clean mouth benefits overall health.With good dental hygiene, patients greatly reduce their risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health.