Basic dental care entails brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, visiting your dentist or dental hygienist for routine checkups and cleanings, and eating a mouth-healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and protein foods. Below are additional information from Glenferrie Dental.
Why is preventative dental care important?
Performing routine dental care:
- Defends against tooth decay.
- Prevents gum (periodontal) disease, which can wreak havoc on gum tissue and the bones that support teeth, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
- Reduces time spent with the dentist and dental hygienist and improves the overall experience.
- Conserves funds. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease can help you avoid the need for expensive fillings and other procedures.
- Contributes to the prevention of bad breath. Brushing and flossing remove the bacteria that cause bad breath from your mouth.
- Contributes to the maintenance of white teeth by preventing staining from food, beverages, and tobacco.
- Enhances general health.
- Allows your teeth to last a lifetime.
Is it possible to avoid dental problems?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires a balanced diet and consistent brushing and flossing.
- Brush twice daily—in the morning and before bedtime—and floss once daily. This eliminates plaque, which can result in tooth, gum, and bone damage.
- Utilize a fluoride-containing toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Consult your dentist to determine whether you require a fluoride-containing mouthwash or one that contains plaque-fighting ingredients. Ensure that the toothpaste you use has been approved by the Canadian Dental Association.
- Avoid foods that are high in sugar. Sugar promotes plaque growth.
- Avoid smoking, which can result in gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) may also result in gum disease and other health complications. footnote1
- Clean your tongue regularly. Stroke in a back-to-front direction with a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush. Tongue cleaning is especially critical for smokers and those with coated or deeply grooved tongues.
- Schedule regular dental visits based on the frequency with which you require examinations and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the common concerns that people have about visiting the dentist and receiving dental care:
What can I do to overcome my fear?
Dental anxiety refers to feelings of fear or apprehension prior to or during a dental visit. This can make visiting the dentist a challenging experience. You can mitigate your anxiety by communicating your concerns to the dentist and establishing a system of hand signals.
Is teeth whitening necessary for me?
Teeth whitening is a procedure that involves the use of a bleaching agent or an abrasive to whiten teeth. Teeth whitening is not a medical procedure, and it will not result in healthier teeth; however, it may result in a brighter smile. This, in turn, can improve people’s self-esteem. Teeth whitening is more effective on certain types of stains than others, so consult your dentist to determine if teeth whitening is right for you and to learn about the products and procedures available.
Do seniors have any unique concerns? Dentures and difficulty brushing are among the concerns of older adults.