Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. It not only helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, but it also plays a role in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While many people may only associate dental care with filling cavities and extracting teeth, preventive dental care is equally important in maintaining good oral health. Preventive dental care includes daily oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, and regular checkups with a dentist to help identify potential oral health issues before they become bigger problems. If you’re looking for a top-notch dentist Los Angeles, New Image Dental is the place to go.
Brushing And Flossing: The Foundation Of Preventive Dental Care
Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque from the surfaces of teeth, while flossing helps remove debris and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Both brushing and flossing are important in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush for two minutes, using gentle circular motions and focusing on each tooth surface, including the backs of teeth and the chewing surfaces. It is important to replace toothbrushes every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Flossing should be done at least once a day, using about 18 inches of floss. After wrapping the floss around each tooth in a C-shape, move it up and down the surface of the tooth to eliminate plaque and food particles. Be sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria.
Regular Checkups: Identifying Potential Oral Health Issues
Dentists can identify potential oral health issues before they become bigger problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. During a routine dental checkup, a dentist will examine your teeth and gums and may take x-rays to check for cavities or other issues.
Regular dental checkups also provide an opportunity for dentists to clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. This cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as freshening your breath and leave your teeth looking brighter.
Oral Cancer Screenings: Detecting Early Signs Of Cancer
In addition to checking for tooth decay and gum disease, regular dental checkups also include an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of people each year. Early detection is key to successful treatment, which is why oral cancer screenings are an important part of preventive dental care.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth and throat for signs of cancer, such as red or white patches, sores, or lumps. If any abnormalities are detected, further testing or referral to a specialist may be necessary.
Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening Teeth
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be found in most toothpaste and is also added to public water supplies in many communities. In addition, dentists may offer fluoride treatments during a routine dental checkup.
During a fluoride treatment, a concentrated fluoride solution is applied to the teeth using a brush or mouthwash.