The best way to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong is through preventative dental care. Preventative dental care involves practices that focus more on preventing dental problems rather than correcting them. It is important to encourage preventative dental care from a young age as this will help children to develop healthy adult teeth as they grow. However, it is never too late to adopt these practices as they can help to reverse certain conditions or prevent them from worsening.
Benefits of preventative dental care
When you practice preventative dental care, you greatly reduce your chances of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and other oral health problems. You may also reduce your risk of developing secondary diseases as a link has been identified between poor oral health and serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Furthermore, pregnant women with oral health concerns have been shown to have a higher risk of delivering babies prematurely or babies with low birth weight.
In addition to influencing your overall health and wellbeing, preventative dental care saves you money that would otherwise have been spent on correcting problems. Even with insurance, the cost of extensive dental work can be very expensive. The cost of preventative dental care is significantly lower.
How to practice preventative dental care
Brush your teeth every day
The most important way to prevent oral health problems is to brush your teeth every day with fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that you brush at least two times a day. Brushing your teeth every day will limit bacterial growth and keep your breath fresh. When you brush you should always brush your tongue as much of the bacteria in your mouth lives there. Ensure you change your toothbrush every three months as after that the bristles start to fray and will not clean teeth or gums adequately. You should also change your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu, mouth infection or a sore throat to avoid reinfection.
Floss when brush
There are tight spaces between your teeth that the bristles of your toothbrush will not be able to reach. That is why you should floss every time you brush. Flossing will help to clean those tight spaces and prevent the remnants of food from getting stuck and rotting there. If you wear braces, use a floss threader to ensure you clean the spaces between the metal brackets. You will need to floss properly if you are going to see any real benefits. If you aren’t sure of the correct way to floss, ask your dentist to show you how the next time you go in for an appointment.
Use antiseptic mouthwash
You should pair your twice-per-day brushing and flossing routine with an antiseptic mouthwash. This will give you added protection against bacterial growth and will help you to keep the hard-to-reach spaces in your mouth clean and fresh.
Eat properly
Did you know that the food you eat can impact your oral health? A balanced diet is necessary to ensure that your teeth get the nutrients they need. Foods rich in vitamins, calcium, and phosphorous are good for your teeth. You should drink lots of water as well. On the other hand, you will need to limit certain foods like those rich in sugar or simple carbohydrates like white bread.
See your dentist
The general recommendation is that you see your dentist every 6 months for regular dental exams and cleanings. If you already have dental problems, you may want to visit more frequently. If you have no dental issues and have a low risk of developing any, you may be able to see your dentist only once a year.
Do you need preventative dental services in Surrey?
If you need a dentist for preventative dental care in Surrey, contact us at Newton Village Dental Clinic. At Newton Village Dental Clinic, we recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today.
