When we think about exciting developments in the world of dentistry, we often think about new restorative techniques and treatments: like CEREC crowns, dental implants, and LUMINEERS. Restorative and cosmetic may be thought of as more exciting, but the truth is that preventive dental care is just as important as it always was.
It is always better to avoid oral health problems all together, rather than having to treat them after the fact. Keep reading to learn more from our Glendale dentists on how you can optimize your preventive dental routine.
Let’s begin by discussing steps you can take at home to improve your preventive dentistry routine. First of all, make sure that you’re following your dentist’s recommendation regarding brushing and flossing; for most people the recommendation is going to be to brush in the morning and at night, and to floss at night.
Pay attention to the dental tools that you’re using. Did you know that toothbrushes actually come in a variety of bristle strengths? Most dental patients will do well with soft-bristled brushes; these bristles are strong enough to clean teeth, but not too abrasive. Many patients will find that medium and firm bristles can actually cause unintended enamel and gum tissue damage.
Some patients benefit from incorporating a mouth rinse of some kind into their daily routines. There are formulations of mouthwash that are designed to freshen breath, strengthen enamel, kill bacteria, and combat dry mouth. Talk to your dentist about what type of mouth rinse would be most helpful for you.
So far we’ve been talking about at-home dental care, but it is important to keep up with your schedule of professional cleanings as well. During these appointments, our dental team is able to assess your teeth and gums for signs of infection, complete an oral cancer screening, and clear away the plaque and tartar that has accumulated on your smile since your last appointment.
The general recommendation from the American Dental Association is that patients see their dentists for professional cleanings every six months or so. Talk to your dental team about what’s right for you; patients with existing oral health or whole-body wellness issues may need to come in more frequently.
Even if it has been years since you’ve been in for a dental cleaning, our Glendale dentists are here to help. Now is the time to get your smile back on track—give us a call to get started!