Preventive dentistry is for anyone interested in protecting their long-term dental and overall health. It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on treatments that help keep teeth healthy, such as teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventive dentistry also includes simple things that you can do on your own to keep your teeth and gums healthy, like flossing and brushing.
The idea of not having to frequently visit a dentist due to issues like toothaches, tooth infections, or periodontal disease sounds good to many patients, so they should look into preventive dentistry. Taking good care of the teeth and gums also protects against health issues like osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes, all of which have been linked to periodontal disease, as reported in studies by the American Academy of Periodontology.
Preventive dentistry also helps with the early detection of cancer and can even prevent premature births and low birth weight. Things that patients can do to receive all these benefits include the following.
Brushing teeth twice a day is the foundation of preventive dental care. Brushing reduces bacteria in the mouth and removes acids, food particles, and plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms over teeth and contains bacteria and acids that damage teeth. It calcifies into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day.
Brushing helps remove all these harmful things before they damage the teeth or turn into something worse, like tarter. Tartar also contains bacteria and the acids that they make, but it cannot be removed by brushing, making it worse than plaque.
For maximum protection, brush the teeth at least two times a day and consider brushing after every meal if the teeth are susceptible to tooth decay. The ideal time to brush is before going to sleep because that is when bacteria cause most of their harmful effects on teeth.
Flossing does the same thing that brushing does, but for the tight spaces that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach. Both actions are equally important to keep the teeth healthy. Brushing but not flossing still leaves teeth vulnerable to decay and gum disease and vice versa. Dentists usually recommend flossing at least once a day, preferably before brushing.
Mouthwash helps clean any areas in the mouth that brushing and flossing miss. Mouthwash infused with fluoride also helps strengthen teeth, reduce bacteria populations in the mouth, and freshen breath.
Water helps remove acids and bacteria in the mouth and keep teeth and gum tissues clean, denying bacteria the nutrients that they need to create plaque and the acids that damage teeth.
Routine dental checkups are used to examine the state of a patient’s mouth and to perform preventive treatments like teeth cleanings. These appointments can also be used to screen for health issues like oral cancer.
Give us a call or visit our Milwaukee clinic to learn more about how preventive dental treatments help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Milwaukee, WI.
If your mouth is sore and/or tender, you are likely scrambling for ways to stop tooth pain. An effective way to stop tooth pain is to visit the dentist as soon as possible. However, your dentist might not be available in the hours after your tooth pain sets in. Thus, you can be proactive and…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
Although a dental cleaning appointment sounds specific to having the teeth cleaned, there are other services included in these appointments, all of which help ensure good oral health. Good oral health is essential because it encourages the rest of the body to also be in good health. To understand the entire scope of dental cleaning…
Routine Dental Cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Aside from at-home oral hygiene, dental cleanings from a general dentist are the best way to keep the teeth and gums healthy. There are a few associated preventive benefits that come along with maintaining these appointments. Aside from having an appealing smile, individuals can reap…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
With dental veneers, a dentist can change the tooth’s size, color, and length by attaching these tiny porcelain pieces to its surface. Veneers are a popular solution for many cosmetic dental problems, including chipping, gaps, and discoloration. Although porcelain veneers are a sturdy and durable choice, they require proper maintenance to last long.Dental veneers will…