The world of restorative dentistry has come a long way over the years. However, just because we can fix any dental problem, doesn’t mean preventive dentistry no longer matters. It is always better for your smile, and your pocket book, if you focus on preventing dental problems in the first place.
Today our Glendale dentists are going to be reviewing some things that you can do in order to protect your smile as much as possible. Let’s get started!
When it comes to preventive dental care, your at-home oral hygiene routine is very important. Our dental team only sees your smile twice a year, but you can take steps every single day to keep your smile healthy and clean.
Your dentist will be able to give you personalized recommendations on how to care for your smile at home. However, generally speaking, patients of all ages should be brushing their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—as well as flossing at night. You can also incorporate a mouth rinse into your routine for additional bacteria-killing and breath-freshening power.
In order to achieve optimal results, you need to pair daily at-home care with semi-annual professional cleanings. Some patients may need to complete professional cleanings more frequently, especially if they’re battling gum disease or living with diabetes. During a professional cleaning, our dentist is able to clear away plaque and tartar that as accumulated over time. Tartar is actually plaque that has calcified onto the tooth surface, so it really has to be removed using professional tools.
Our dental team also completes an oral cancer screening during every semi-annual appointment. Because many oral cancers are difficult for patients to detect in their earliest stages, completing regularly schedule professional screenings is crucial for early detection and treatment.
As always, our Glendale dentists are happy to give you any additional information you may need. Give us a call to get started!