Chesterfield Family Dental encourages their patients to take preventive dentistry seriously as it is the number one way to prevent serious dental problems from occurring. The prevention of serious dental problems not only saves patients money, but it saves them pain and endless time spent in the chair undergoing procedures. Find out why preventive dentistry is important and what you should do to ensure your mouth stays healthy.
At-Home Care
The top way to ensure you are following preventive dentistry instructions is to take care of your teeth at home. This includes brushing and flossing regularly. This means brushing at least twice a day, and especially after eating sugary food or drinks. You should also be flossing once a day to remove debris and plaque from between your teeth. Including flossing in your daily routine also prevents periodontal and gum diseases. You should be brushing your teeth with an ADA approved toothpaste or one recommended by your dentist. For best results, opt for an electric toothbrush vs a manual toothbrush. Make sure you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Electric toothbrushes have timers on them so if brushing for two minutes is hard for you to do, the electric toothbrush will help. Patients can also include a fluoride in their routine for extra protection.
Healthy Diet
Another way to ensure you are doing everything you can for preventive dentistry; you should be eating a healthy diet. This means steering clear of sugary food and drinks as well as acidic drinks like soda. If you do enjoy these goodies, make sure you are rinsing your mouth with water afterward and brushing your teeth to remove the cavity-causing sugar. This aspect of preventive dentistry is important for protecting you from cavities.
Regular Dental Visits
Most dental problems don’t show any signs or symptoms. This is why it’s important to visit us at our Springfield dentist office for routine dental visits. We will perform a complete dental exam including taking x-rays and doing a visual inspection for any signs of decay or gum recession. In addition, we will give you a professional cleaning where we remove any stuck on tartar or plaque. This helps prevent cavities and is one of the top reasons preventive dentistry is important.
Protection
If you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth at night, you will need to wear a night guard to protect your teeth. Preventive dentistry is important, especially when it comes to protection. Night guards prevent uneven wear of your teeth, gum recession, and the breaking or cracking of your teeth due to the force. This will help protect your teeth and help you wake up without feeling jaw pain. You can also protect your teeth from damage by wearing a mouth guard during the day if you play contact sports. This will prevent your teeth from getting damaged or even knocked out while you are playing the sport.
Contact Chesterfield Family Dental for Preventive Dentistry
If you are doing your part at home, it’s time to schedule a preventive dentistry appointment at our Springfield dentist office. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to learn more about why preventive dentistry is important and to schedule your next dental exam.