Preventative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping teeth healthy and preventing dental issues from forming. Taking good care of your mouth reduces your risk of developing common problems like tooth decay and gum disease. It also saves you money and time that would have been spent getting dental treatments in the future. Good oral hygiene is the foundation of preventative dentistry. That includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Looking for some tips on how to take better care of your teeth and gums? Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have:
The most crucial time to brush your teeth is right before going to bed. Plaque and acids get to build up in the mouth during the day, and they typically do more damage during sleep due to decreased saliva production.
Saliva helps to protect teeth and gums by washing away bacteria and acids that erode teeth. Cleaning your mouth right before going to bed removes the things that damage teeth right before their most vulnerable period.
As far as when to brush in the morning is concerned, it is mostly a matter of preference. Most people brush before their first meal to get rid of the sticky feeling plaque creates in their mouths and morning breath. Others wait until after having breakfast before brushing their teeth.
There is no ideal time to floss teeth. The most important thing is to floss once per day. Flossing gets rid of plaque and bacteria in interdental spaces, protecting these areas from tooth decay and gum disease.
However, flossing before brushing might have a slight advantage since it cleans your interdental spaces before brushing. That way, fluoride in the oral hygiene product can better penetrate interdental spaces.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist at least two times per year. This allows the dentist to detect developing issues in their early stages, giving the patient more treatment options to choose from.
For example, the early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be reversed with teeth cleanings and improved oral hygiene. However, the advanced stage, periodontitis, is a chronic infection that cannot be reversed. It can only be managed with treatments like root scaling and planing, bone grafts, and gum grafts.
Dentists typically recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes to keep the risk of damaging teeth enamel while brushing to a minimum. Patients should avoid brushing too hard since it can lead to problems like receding gums.
Take good care of your mouth and the odds of you needing extensive dental treatments significantly diminishes. Call or visit our Brooklyn clinic to learn more about how preventative dentistry can improve your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gardendentalartsny.com or call Garden Dental Arts at (718) 416-6367 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
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