Tips for taking care of your teeth and gums at home

Oct 19

Preventative dental care is the best way to keep your gums, teeth, and mouth healthy. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to take care of your smile. A regular checkup with your dentist can help you identify any potential problems early and take steps to avoid them in the future by getting rid of plaque or staining, for example. If you don’t have a dentist nearby, though, or if you’ve been neglecting your pearly whites for some reason, it can be challenging to know what type of care is worth investing in and which ones aren’t worth the time or money. That’s why we have outlined below everything you need to know about preventative dental care and its many benefits.

What is preventative dental care?

Preventative dental care is the practice of getting regular checkups with your dentist. Oral health is a combination of good dental hygiene and regular dental checkups that include a thorough cleaning and a checkup with a professional. Preventative dental care is a great way to make sure your smile stays healthy. When you visit the dentist regularly, you can catch potential problems before they become big issues. You may want to consider adopting one or more of these preventative dental care practices: - Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Not only will you get rid of staining and plaque that can harm your teeth, but you’ll also help prevent tooth decay. - Wearing a mouth guard during sports that could result in impact. A mouth guard will reduce the risk of tooth decay, fractures, and injuries. - Getting an annual exam and cleaning from your dentist. Dental exams check for signs of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Cleanings remove plaque and excess gum tissue. - Flossing between teeth daily to remove plaque between teeth. Plaque buildup between teeth can lead to tooth decay.

Why is preventative dental care important?

The majority of tooth decay and oral cancers occur because of poor oral hygiene. If you don’t clean your teeth or brush your teeth with an appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash, bacteria in your mouth will feed on the food remnants and oils left behind, producing acids that attack the teeth and cause decay. The bacteria in your mouth also produce substances that can lead to gingivitis, a red, swollen, and bleeding mouth. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Preventative dental care can help prevent dental issues by catching potential problems before they become severe. It can also help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

When to see a dentist for preventative care

You may be able to get affordable dental care from your dentist. If not, though, there are certain things you can do to help yourself. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible: - White spots on your teeth or a yellowish or brown stain on your teeth. These may be signs of tooth decay or an early case of tooth decay. - Signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, red swollen gums, or bad breath. - Signs of tooth fractures, such as clicking when teeth are moved. - Early signs of oral cancers, such as a change in the way your mouth feels, or a lump that hasn’t gone away after a few months. - Difficulty chewing food and swallowing. - Difficulty speaking. If you have any of these signs, you should definitely see your dentist as soon as possible.