ABCs of Preventative Dentistry

If you’re given 25 chocolate bars, and you ate all of them in a week, what do you have? Cavities! Preventative dentistry in Clute is focused on keeping your gums, teeth, and mouth as healthy as possible. In this way, you’ll be able to avoid tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental issues. 

Why Is It So Important? 

Reasons Why You Need Preventative Dentistry 

For a variety of reasons, it's crucial to be proactive about this type of dental care. To begin with, it is far less expensive than going through restorative dentistry (e.g., fillings, crowns, implants, etc.). As a result, many insurance policies cover the majority or all your dentist's preventive procedures. Even if you don't have insurance, a routine cleaning is considerably less expensive than having a tiny cavity filled. 

Second, being proactive about dental care keeps your teeth and gums healthy, which means you're not as likely to lose teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease. Dental health problems can sometimes be intolerably painful because of the large number of nerve endings in the mouth. However, if major dental problems can be avoided through proactive treatment, you'll experience less pain. 

Third, oral health and general health are linked in numerous research. Consequently, maintaining a healthy mouth through preventive dental care can help you maintain good overall health.  

At-Home Dental Preventive Care 

There are tons of ways to employ dental care procedures at home, and many of them are likely already part of your daily routine. To begin, clean your teeth twice a day, specifically in the morning and before bed. You also need to floss once a day, preferably before bed.  

Choose toothbrushes and toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Whenever you see an ADA Seal of Acceptance on the container, you’re good to go. Why? It's critical to choose ADA-approved oral health products since they've gone through extensive testing to ensure that they're both safe and effective. 

Second, clean the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can't reach with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Use a specialty mouthwash advised by your dentist if you have a specific condition or oral health need, such as tooth sensitivity or dry mouth. 

Finally, limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods and beverages. Sugars from these foods are easily absorbed by your teeth, causing cavities and other problems.   

Professional Dental Care 

Preventative dentistry isn't only about how you brush and floss your teeth at home; there are some things that only dental experts can do to keep your mouth in good shape. That is why scheduling regular cleaning sessions is so crucial.  

Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months, but if you have unusual conditions, you may need to see them more frequently. Every dental professional will most likely perform a number of preventive dental care procedures during your consultation, this may include the following: 

• Performing any specific treatments, such as fluoride treatment. 
• Oral cancer and other health issues will be checked. 
• Checking for any problems with your tongue and other parts of your mouth. 
• Checking for any signs of decay or gum disease. 
• Getting rid of plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth.

Preventative Dentistry in Clute from Dentists Who Care 

At Woodshore Family Dentistry, we recognize the importance of preventive dental care. Likewise, we do everything we can to help our customers attain the healthy smile they deserve. Set an appointment with our dental professionals today!