Preventative dentistry is the practice of maintaining oral hygiene to prevent cavities, decay, infections, and other issues. Regular dental care is a vital part of maintaining your teeth and is important at every stage in life— from childhood through adulthood. Preventative dental care involves both you and your dentist and requires proper at-home care, regular check-ups, and more. Continue reading to learn more about preventative dentistry in Webster offered by Empire Dental Care.
Preventative Dental Care Steps
Preventing dental issues is a collaborative effort between you and your dentist. In order to maintain your perfect, healthy smile, there are a few steps you should be taking.
Daily Brushing & Flossing
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are the most important action steps to take for preventative dental care. You should brush and floss your teeth twice per day, ideally morning and evening. Regular brushing prevents bacteria from building up on your teeth and reduces the chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
Regular Cleanings
The ADA recommends having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly, at a frequency determined by your dentist. [1] You should plan on seeing your general dentist every six months, but some people may require more frequent dental appointments, depending on various factors. For this reason, it is most ideal to speak with your dentist to determine what is right for you. Routine cleanings remove plaque build-up to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, your dentist can let you know if you are at risk for developing gum disease, or if you need to make any changes in your home health routine.
Regular X-Rays
Some people are at a higher risk for developing tooth decay, and therefore require x-rays more often than others. Dental X-rays help your dentist detect damage and infections that are not visible during routine cleanings or check-ups. [2] Early detection is key in preserving your natural teeth.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
The foods you consume can have a lasting effect on the health of your teeth and gums— whether good or bad. Prioritizing a healthy diet will help to ensure your teeth get the nutrients they need to support lasting health. [3]
Foods that are good for your teeth:
- Fruit and Vegetables: Fruits and veggies are loaded with nutrients your teeth and gums need to keep you healthy. The fiber in these foods also helps clean your teeth and gums.
- Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols that reduce the growth or build-up of plaque-causing bacteria on your teeth.
Avoid foods that are:
- High in sugar: After breaking down sugar, the bacteria on your teeth release harmful acids that cause damage to your teeth. [4]
- Food that is sticky or hard to remove from your teeth should be avoided as this encourages bacterial growth.
- You should also avoid hard candies and chewing on ice cubes
Schedule an Appointment for Preventative Dentistry in Webster
If you have more questions about preventative dentistry, call Empire Dental Care today at 585-671-1650. Dr. Cohen specializes in preventative dentistry to ensure a strong, healthy smile for all her patients.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2013-archive/june/american-dental-association-statement-on-regular-dental-visits
[2] https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/preventative-dentistry
[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-sugar-destroys-teeth#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
