At Bedford Dental Care we believe in bringing out your best smiles and keeping you healthy. Our focus on preventive dentistry helps you avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more.
HYGIENE &
PREVENTION
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy, such as daily brushing and regular dental cleanings. To maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visits to the dentist at regular intervals determined by your dentist after carefully evaluating your risk factors. These practices are designed to ensure that teeth are clean, strong, and healthy. Children should be getting into a proper oral hygiene routine at an early age and should have their first dental visit before the age of 1.
Here are some tips to keep you healthy!
BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND
TONGUE DAILY
BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND
TONGUE DAILY
The most important part of preventive dentistry is to brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Most people should replace their toothbrushes three to four times per year or as the bristles start to fray.
We highly recommend electric toothbrushes, such as Sonicare, as they do clean your teeth better than using a regular toothbrush. We have seen the improvements in our patient’s mouth after they make the switch.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Lots of bacteria collects in the tiny crevices of the tongue. Brushing your tongue will help remove bacteria from your mouth and also help freshen your breath.
FLOSS DAILY
Daily flossing is also recommended. Flossing helps to clean out the tight spaces between the teeth. If you have braces, you may need to use floss threaders to get between the brackets.
To get the most benefit out of flossing, you’ll want to make sure you’re flossing in the correct way. At your next dental appointment, ask us for a quick flossing demonstration to make sure you’re getting the full benefit and not just going through the motions. If you still have a hard time getting into those hard to reach areas, we highly recommend using a Waterpik to flush out food and bacteria that hide in between teeth.
VISIT US !
VISIT US !
You should see your dentist at least once per year for an exam to check for any problems in the teeth or gums and you should see your hygienist at least twice a year. If you’re at a high risk for dental problems, you’ll likely benefit from more frequent dental visits. Dental cleanings and exams allow us to identify problems and take care of them right away before they cause pain, discomfort or tooth loss.
Many insurance plans cover two preventive dental visits per year.
EAT A BALANCED DIET
Eating a balanced diet also helps to protect your teeth by providing them with the nutrients they need. Limit your sugar intake, including simple carbohydrates like white bread, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Foods with dairy, like milk and yogurt, may have lactose which will also break down into sugars that can cause cavities. Sodas and carbonated drinks will contain acids which will erode away your enamel. Vitamins are important for oral and overall health. Eating a varied diet will help you to get all of the vitamins you need to maintain a healthy smile.
WHAT DOES PREVENTIVE
DENTISTRY DO?
WHAT DOES PREVENTIVE
DENTISTRY DO?
Preventive dentistry prevents people from developing dental problems later on. If you use proper dental care, you can avoid or lessen the effects of these:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Enamel Loss
- Periodontitis
WHO BENEFITS FROM
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?
Everyone benefits from preventive dentistry. Children, in particular, benefit because it allows their newly developing adult teeth to come in strong and healthy. Dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments help prevent decay in your children’s teeth. Many adults also benefit from fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel and help you keep your real teeth.
Oral health is connected to the health of your body as a whole. Maintaining a clean mouth benefits your overall health.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?
With good dental hygiene, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other dental problems. This, in turn, can reduce your risk of secondary problems caused by poor oral health. Some health problems that may be linked to poor oral health are:
- Diabetes
- Respiratory Disease
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
Premature birth and low birth weight may also be linked to poor oral health. You should continue to practice or adopt good preventive oral health especially if you’re pregnant. This includes visiting your dentist for routine checkups during your pregnancy.
In addition to reducing your risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive health can save you money. Even with dental insurance, the costs associated with poor oral hygiene can add up. While preventive dentistry may not completely eliminate your need for fillings, root canals, or dental implants, it can go a long way in reducing your need for these costly treatments.