Making oral
health a priority can be hard. Given the demands of daily life making it to the
dentist can be at the very least inconvenient. Although it is not something
that is easy to fit into hectic schedules and tight budgets preventative
dentistry can save both time and money in the future. By following a few simple
tricks and tips it is easy to stay on top of mouth care.
The main
emphasis is developing and maintaining good daily habits in conjunction with
occasional visits with a dentist. Through this combination it is possible to
prevent decay and other common conditions. The most crucial step in the at home
care you can provide yourself is to brush and floss at least twice daily.
Brushing and flossing remove deposits of plaque that build up on the tooth.
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease and tooth decay. The addition of an
over the counter antiseptic mouthwash is also highly recommended in the daily
oral hygiene routine.
Your diet is
also an important step to good health. Eating foods that are high in sugar and
acid feed bacteria, which cause bad breath and erode enamel. Along the same
lines, drinking a lot of tea or coffee can lead to staining and bad breath.
Healthy fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth just as much as they are
for the rest of you.
Doing these
things at home is a great way to begin a healthy regimen. The next step is to
see a dentist for regularly scheduled checkups. It is recommended you go in for
an examination every six months when there are no problems and immediately if
you feel that something is amiss. At an office visit many conditions can be
nipped in the bud and dealt with before they cost greater time and money. While
in the clinic the doctor will most likely do several things.
First a
thorough cleaning by an oral hygienist will remove plaque build-up from the
tooth and gum line. Next you will most likely be given x-rays to check for
underlying issues that may not be initially visible. Then the oral physician
will probably give you a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and
prevent tooth decay. Finally, and most importantly the dentist will educate you
to proper oral hygiene techniques. They can point out potential problem areas
and give tips on protecting them. They will often give you a toothbrush and
floss if you need some. Most of all they will help you to understand the
consequences of poor care and help to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
