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Even when there is nothing wrong with your teeth and gums, you should take extra care of them. Tooth pain and dental procedures aren’t fun for anyone. Plus, you only get one set of adult teeth to last your entire life! Preventive dentistry is vital to the health and well-being of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Read on to find out seven helpful tips that you need to implement today!

• 1. Replace Your Toothbrush

When you notice that your toothbrush is damaged or is starting to smell bad then it’s time to buy a new one. For a typical person, you should at least be replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

As this is the instrument that you are using to brush the plaque away from your teeth multiple times a day, it’s quite important to keep it in a state of good working order. Bacteria can collect over time and create a bad smell. In addition, the bristles tend to wear out after use, making them not as efficient in cleaning.

• 2. Floss Every Day

It’s almost a worn-out saying at this point and any preventative dentist is probably tired of repeating it to patients. It’s a quick and simple step to add to your daily routine: flossing.

There are tons of different products designed to help you implement this. If you don’t prefer using the regular floss then you could go for the popular water flosser. This helpful tool uses water to push the plaque and food out of those difficult places.

Flossing is important because it dislodges food and plaque that’s stuck in between teeth and hard-to-reach places. When you don’t floss you are allowing this to sit in those spots and potentially create cavities.

• 3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that is in many of our kinds of toothpaste. Some people have chosen to use fluoride-free toothpaste which could be for other health concerns. For most people, dental health experts recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste.

This mineral helps slow down the decay of enamel on our teeth. This enamel is the line of defense when it comes to protecting our teeth from damage and decay.

Fluoride also helps with remineralization. When there is a weak spot caused by the acids of plaque, fluoride helps to form new enamel crystals. This stops the demineralization and prevents you from having a cavity.

• 4. Get Dental Cleanings Twice a Year

At around the age of four to five years old, a person should start having a dental cleaning twice a year. A dental hygenist will inspect your gums for periodontal disease. This gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Regular dental cleanings allow you to stay on top of what’s happening in your mouth and be in the know about your health. Furthermore, they can help prevent anything from occurring in the future.

If there is something that needs to be addressed, you will know straight away and be able to take care of it before more damage develops. Deep cleanings may also be recommended based on your situation.

• 5. Cut Down on Sugar

Tooth decay and cavities are caused by several factors intertwining. Plaque, a thin, white, and sticky substance, forms on your teeth throughout the day. There are bacteria within this plaque.

When sugar is consumed, the bacteria consume the sugar and produce acid as a waste product. This acid is what leads to tooth decay and eventually cavities.

Cutting down on the amount of sugar that you consume can help to eliminate the acid that bacteria give off. The more of this acid that you can eliminate, the better to ensure that you aren’t putting yourself at risk for damage.

• 6. Fluoride Treatments

Most tap water in the United States contains fluoride. However, if you are more likely to consume bottled water, then you might have a fluoride deficiency. This can lead to a greater risk of developing cavities.

A fluoride treatment is a simple solution to this problem. Supplements can be provided to those of all ages and mouthwashes are another form of treating this type of deficiency. To protect your dental health, a hygenist or dentist may recommend that you switch to tap water.

• 7. Have a Dental Examination

Having a regular dental examination is key to living a happy and healthy life. Your oral health can contribute to your overall health and the formation of other diseases. At your examination, your preventative dentist will take digital x-rays, examine previous dental work, evaluate cosmetic concerns, conduct an oral cancer screening, and clean your teeth.

These examinations are the perfect time to discuss with your dentist any concerns that you may have. They might also have more preventative recommendations for you based on your specific case. It’s important to be comfortable speaking with your dental health professional to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate care.

Staying Healthy with Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is such a vital service to our overall well-being. With these tips in mind, it’s time to set new routines to protect yourself from tooth decay and gum disease. No one wants to venture into the restorative side of dentistry, so take care of your oral health from the start.

Are you looking for the best dentist near me? We would love to help you put preventative dentistry practices into your life. Contact us to make an appointment!