Preventative Dentistry

Different Preventative Dental Treatments

The most common preventative dental treatments are:

1. Professional Dental Cleaning – Daily brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene but professional dental cleaning is the best way to remove plaque and tatar buildup.

2. Comprehensive Oral Exam – Regular oral examinations will identify any early signs of cavities, gum disease and other potential problems. 

3. Diagnostic tests – Should we find any potential problems we will use x-ray to take a closer look and determine a plan of action.

4. Oral hygiene education – We will teach you the correct and best way of looking after your teeth at home to ensure your teeth stay healthy for as long as possible.

Best practices for healthy teeth

1. Brush your teeth twice daily. The most important aspect of preventative dentistry is to brush your teeth twice each day with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste approved by your dentist or dental hygienist. The way you brush is also important. Make sure to take your time and gently move the brush in small circular motions in order to remove as much plaque as possible. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue. Doing so will help remove additional bacteria from your mouth and freshen your breath as well.
2. Floss Daily. Flossing each day after you brush and in between meals will help clean food particles and bacteria from in between your teeth. However, as is the case with brushing, it’s important to floss correctly in order to gain the most benefit. We’ll be happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques during your next appointment.
3. Use mouthwash. Mouthwash reduces acid levels in the mouth, cleans the gums and areas around the gum line that are hard to reach with a brush, and adds minerals back into the teeth. If you’re unsure of which mouthwash to use, ask us at your next appointment. Some mouthwashes are better for children, and some are better for individuals with sensitive teeth. Depending on the state of your oral health, we may recommend a prescription mouthwash for added protection and care.
4. Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating a well-balanced diet will provide your teeth with the vitamins and nutrients they need to remain healthy and strong. Meanwhile, limiting your sugar intake will reduce plaque buildup and help prevent the need for costly dental treatments down the road.
5. Visit your dentist. Brushing and flossing is great, but taking proper care of your teeth also means visiting the dentist every six months for routine cleanings, checkups and preventative care. That being said, the higher your risk for dental problems, the greater you’ll benefit from more frequent visits.