Flossing to Fluoride: The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to maintaining good oral health. By taking steps to prevent oral health problems before they occur, you can save yourself time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Regular dental cleanings, check-ups, and good oral hygiene habits are the key to maintaining a healthy mouth, and working with a dental hygienist can help you to achieve this goal.



What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining the overall health of a person's teeth, gums, and mouth through regular check-ups, dental cleanings, and other preventative measures. The goal of preventive dentistry is to prevent the development of oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, before they become more serious and require costly and invasive treatments.

Who can benefit from preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry will benefit anyone who has their own teeth. You can also benefit if you don’t have your own teeth as preventive dentistry will also help protect against mouth cancer and gum disease. And while it’s excellent for children and young people, it’s never too late to start.

Visit a Dental Hygienist

One of the most important aspects of preventive dentistry is regular dental cleanings. Dental cleanings are typically performed by a dental hygienist, who is a trained professional who specialises in cleaning teeth and maintaining oral health. During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth and gums, which can cause cavities and gum disease if left untreated. They will also polish the teeth to remove any surface stains and leave your teeth looking clean and healthy. They may also demonstrate the proper technique for brushing and flossing, and can help you to identify any areas of your mouth that may be particularly susceptible to plaque build-up.

Fluoride treatments

Preventive dentistry also includes fluoride treatments, which help to strengthen the enamel on the teeth and make them more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can be applied in a variety of ways, such as through toothpaste, mouthwash, or in-office treatments.

Sealants 

Preventive dentistry also includes sealants, which are protective coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants act as a barrier to bacteria and food particles, helping to prevent cavities from forming in these hard-to-clean areas.

Good habits

In addition to regular dental cleanings and check-ups, there are also many other things that you can do to maintain good oral health and prevent oral health problems. These include:

-Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

-Flossing daily

-Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks

-Not smoking or using tobacco products

-Wearing a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night

Regular Dental check-ups

Another important aspect of preventive dentistry is regular dental check-ups. During a dental check-up, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of oral health problems.

If you need a dental check up, then contact Acorn Dental Health for an appointment today! We hire experienced dentists and pride ourselves on delivering quality service and results. Contact us today online or by calling 01489 782 166.