How is Preventive Dentistry Practiced?

Preventive dentistry encompasses all the things and effort you should consistently put towards maintaining good oral health. The focus is on preventing any oral issues that are likely to come up at any point in life. It is a proactive form of dental care and comes with a number of important benefits. Considering that most dental issues experienced by patients are totally preventable, it is then necessary for everyone to learn some of the ways to implement preventive dental care.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry in Redding

By making consistent efforts to care for your teeth and prevent oral diseases, you get to have a number of advantages over people that don’t do the same. Some benefits of preventive dentistry in Redding you may enjoy include:

• Reduced risk for developing dental problems and complications like tooth decay and gum disease.
• Makes you more aware and committed to caring for your teeth through practicing good oral hygiene and dental habits.
• Early detection of dental issues which in turns minimizes cost of treatment as well as damage to your teeth and gums.
• Can help in the management of some chronic medical conditions that may be affecting your dental health. Sometimes the symptoms showing in your mouth are not because you don’t properly care for your teeth but are instead caused by other underlying health problems.

Ways to Practice Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dental care services are offered by any general dentist near you. It is applicable to both adults and children, since caring for permanent teeth is just as important as caring for the primary teeth. While your dentist in Redding has the professional skills, it takes to care for your teeth, for preventive dentistry to be effective, efforts from both the patient and dentist is required. There are some services that you will only be able to get at the dental office but most of the action will take place at home. You therefore need to ready to make conscious decisions, knowing how they will impact your oral health in the end.

In-Office Preventive Dental Care

There is a good reason why there is emphasis on seeing your dentist regularly. It is recommended that you see a dentist at least twice every year, or as frequently as your dentist suggests. There are services that are only available at the dental clinic and these include;

• Professional teeth cleaning to help get rid of plaque and tartar, that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove.
• Dental exams and diagnostic testing. The exams cover full oral evaluations where the dentist checks your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw and neck for any signs of abnormalities. Diagnostic tests such as x-rays are also performed to check for bite problems or issues with the jaw bone.
• Administering preventive treatments like application of fluoride and sealants.
• Screening for oral cancer
• Education on the right ways to care for your teeth such as how to properly brush and floss. For patients with bad habits like thumb-sucking and teeth-clenching, additional measures are put in place to try and control the habits so that they do not interfere with their oral health.

Home-Based Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care at home includes a daily routine of activities. First, you need to brush your teeth at least twice everyday using a fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. If not sure on what brand of toothpaste or toothbrush to use, consult your dentist. it is best to brush after every meal or you can do it in the morning and before going to bed at night. Flossing is also important to help get rid of bacteria in between your teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Floss at least once daily, before going to sleep.

Incorporating use of a mouthwash to your oral hygiene can also be beneficial especially if you have conditions such as sensitivity or dry mouth. Ask your dentist in 96001 for recommendations on specialized mouthwash products that can boost your preventive care efforts.

Another way to prevent dental problems is to avoid acidic foods or those high in sugar. These foods cause bacteria build up that can lead to decay and cavities. Instead, maintain a healthy diet to ensure you get all the nutrients required for strong and healthy teeth.