Who Needs Prevenitve Dentistry?

Preventive Dentistry Durango, CO

Preventive dentistry is for anyone interested in protecting their long-term dental and overall health. It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on treatments that help keep teeth healthy, such as teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventive dentistry also includes simple things that you can do on your own to keep your teeth and gums healthy, like flossing and brushing.

Figuring out if you need preventive dentistry

The idea of not having to frequently visit a dentist due to issues like toothaches, tooth infections, or periodontal disease sounds good to many patients, so they should look into preventive dentistry. Taking good care of the teeth and gums also protects against health issues like osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes, all of which have been linked to periodontal disease, as reported in studies by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Preventive dentistry also helps with the early detection of cancer and can even prevent premature births and low birth weight. Things that patients can do to receive all these benefits include the following.

1. Brushing twice every day

Brushing teeth twice a day is the foundation of preventive dental care. Brushing reduces bacteria in the mouth and removes acids, food particles, and plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms over teeth and contains bacteria and acids that damage teeth. It calcifies into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day.

Brushing helps remove all these harmful things before they damage the teeth or turn into something worse, like tarter. Tartar also contains bacteria and the acids that they make, but it cannot be removed by brushing, making it worse than plaque.

For maximum protection, brush the teeth at least two times a day and consider brushing after every meal if the teeth are susceptible to tooth decay. The ideal time to brush is before going to sleep because that is when bacteria cause most of their harmful effects on teeth.

2. Floss daily

Flossing does the same thing that brushing does, but for the tight spaces that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach. Both actions are equally important to keep the teeth healthy. Brushing but not flossing still leaves teeth vulnerable to decay and gum disease and vice versa. Dentists usually recommend flossing at least once a day, preferably before brushing.

3. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash helps clean any areas in the mouth that brushing and flossing miss. Mouthwash infused with fluoride also helps strengthen teeth, reduce bacteria populations in the mouth, and freshen breath.

4. Drink plenty of water

Water helps remove acids and bacteria in the mouth and keep teeth and gum tissues clean, denying bacteria the nutrients that they need to create plaque and the acids that damage teeth.

5. Visit a dentist twice a year

Routine dental checkups are used to examine the state of a patient’s mouth and to perform preventive treatments like teeth cleanings. These appointments can also be used to screen for health issues like oral cancer.

The rewards of preventive dental care are endless

Give us a call or visit our Durango clinic to learn more about how preventive dental treatments help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Request an appointment here: https://durangodentistry.com or call Durango Dentistry at (970) 422-3263 for an appointment in our Durango office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Durango, CO.

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry: Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

Preventive dentistry is concerned with helping patients reduce the chance of developing oral health concerns, such as oral cancer. By understanding the more common signs and symptoms of oral cancer, it makes it easier to know when a visit to the dentist for an oral cancer screening is needed.The earlier oral cancer is diagnosed the…

How Many Types Of Professional Dental Cleanings Are Available?

A dental cleaning from a professional helps individuals of all ages to maintain good oral health. There are different dental cleanings that may be required, based on the patient's health history as well as any risks that pose a threat to oral health. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine what type of cleanings are…

Why Is Dental Cleaning Important?

Contrary to common belief, a dental cleaning is not just meant for a brighter smile, but also for the general wellness of a patient. There is a relationship between oral health and general health. Some of the related medical and dental problems include cardiovascular disease, bone loss, cancers, strokes and many other problems. While regular…

The Importance Of A Regular Dental Check-Up

You should not book a dental check-up only when there is an oral issue that requires treatment. Many people believe that brushing their teeth and flossing should be enough to keep their teeth in good condition. However, simply brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth free of debris that may cause issues…

Recent Posts

When Is A Dental Bridge Commonly Used?

When Is A Dental Bridge Commonly Used?

There are several instances in which a dental bridge is the most appropriate solution for teeth replacement. A dental bridge can be used to replace a single missing tooth or a section of missing teeth, and it provides certain benefits that traditional dentures and dental implants do not. This review highlights what a dental bridge is…

Poor Denture Care Habits To Avoid

Poor Denture Care Habits To Avoid

Dentures are removable, custom-made replacements for lost teeth. If you want your dentures to last for a long time, it is crucial to take care of them. This will help you to avoid a wide range of issues. Keep reading to find out more about proper denture care.There are different types of dentures that are…