Preventative dental maintenance is critical to prevent dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease. When the enamel of a tooth erodes, cavities can form and, if left untreated, this tooth can become infected. Infection that spreads to your gums, root canal, and jawbone can, ultimately, result in tooth and bone loss.
Preventative dental maintenance should be an integral part of your and your family’s daily routine. The good news is that proper dental care doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Let’s take a look at the most important preventative dental maintenance steps.
Brushing Twice per Day
Brushing your teeth in the morning and again at night is the most effective way to prevent the build-up of plaque around your teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria and sugars that accumulate on your teeth, that can cause a considerable amount of damage to your teeth’s enamel.
To get the best results from brushing your teeth, brush your teeth for about two minutes. Also, use fluoride toothpaste when you brush to strengthen your tooth enamel. Since your tongue also harbours bacteria, you should brush your tongue as well.
After brushing, rinse your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
Floss Every Day
Plaque build-up in the crevices and gum line of your teeth is difficult to remove with a toothbrush. Floss is an effective way to get rid of plaque in these places, and you should floss every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Eliminate Sugar from Your Diet
Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods not only increases your risk of other dietary-related diseases, but can also be detrimental to your dental health. When sugar reacts with the bacteria in your saliva, it forms an acid that can deteriorate your tooth enamel.
Since enamel protects your teeth, eating a lot of sugar can increase your risk of cavities and, eventually, tooth decay.
Inspect Your Teeth and Gums
Inflammation, pain, and irritation around your teeth and gums can sometimes be an indication of a severe dental condition. Paying close attention to your teeth and gums will allow you to take early action and prevent dental diseases.
Regular Visits to Your Dentist
You should schedule a dental check-up at least once every six months. Many people make the mistake of thinking that the absence of pain or visual indications of a problem means that there is no problem.
A dentist near you will be able to detect signs of trouble even though your teeth and gums look and feel healthy. Your dental health care provider will also remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and give you a thorough fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel.
In Conclusion
The consequences of lacking dental care can include gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and oral infections. Your hygiene will also suffer, which can result in an array of personal issues.
Preventative dental maintenance comes down to habitual routines. Prioritize your dental care to ensure healthy teeth and gums for your entire life. Contact your dentist in Grand Prairie if you have any questions regarding your oral health.