Who Needs Prevenitve Dentistry?

Preventive Dentistry Englewood, NJ

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.

Figuring out if you need preventive dentistry

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.

1. Brushing twice every day

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.

2. Floss daily

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.

3. Use mouthwash

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.

4. Drink plenty of water

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.

5. Visit a dentist twice a year

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.

The rewards of preventive dental care are endless

Give us a call or visit our Englewood clinic to learn more about how preventive dental treatments help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Request an appointment here: https://www.desalvodental.com or call DeSalvo Dental at (201) 244-7658 for an appointment in our Englewood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Englewood, NJ.

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry: 7 Things You Need To Know About Sugar And Your Dental Health 

Preventive dentistry centers around a few core values: Practice good daily oral hygiene, never skip a dental cleaning and avoid sugar. Steering clear of sugary food and drinks is one of the pillars of dentistry.Read on to discover the seven things you need to know about the connection between sugar and tooth health.The mouth is…

Tips For Preventative Dental Care In Englewood

We provide preventative dental care in Englewood and can help you to have lifelong oral health.  There are steps that you can take for your health and the health of your family.  These steps include daily care at home and regular dental visits.  Working together is the best way to ensure that your teeth and…

Visit Your Englewood Dentist To Catch Conditions Early

At your Englewood dentist, we know that the secret to great teeth is consistency and regular visits to the dentist for an examination and cleaning. While we understand that visiting the dentist is probably not the first thing on your “fun things to schedule today” list, we also know there are intrinsic benefits to seeing…

What Causes An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is one of the most troubling oral health concerns you could have. This condition not only can affect a single tooth, but it might spread throughout your jaw. If you do not see a general dentist, an abscess could even move into other areas of  your body, causing further problems and health…

Recent Posts

Ways Dental Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

5 Ways Dental Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

Dental bonding is a simple and pain-free cosmetic procedure that can fix minor imperfections with teeth. Everyone should be able to show off a smile that they are proud of, and many achieve the smile of their dreams through dental bonding treatment. The most notable reasons to consider dental bonding are to fill gaps between teeth,…

When Would A Dentist Recommend Dental Veneers?

When Would A Dentist Recommend Dental Veneers?

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, dental veneers are options that you should consider. Veneers are thin, customizable shells created to cover the front sides of the teeth. A dentist will often suggest this option when there are imperfections on the teeth, some of which are covered in this article. Continue reading to…