Categories: Preventive Dentistry

Answering Three Questions About Preventive Dentistry

It goes without saying that nobody wants to experience losing a tooth. From the cosmetic issues that occur to the functional and even structural ones, extensive treatment will often be the result and you will experience that it will only get worse before it gets better. To best combat this and prevent this from happening, staying on top of your preventive care routine is a must. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX dentist will expound upon three common questions associated with preventive care and how you can take a step in the right direction toward a happier, healthier smile.

Are Dental Visits Necessary?

Absolutely! You see, many individuals believe that all it takes to maintain a healthy grin is brushing regularly. While this is a major step that assists in keeping oral bacteria at bay and preventing some of the damage they cause, a proper dental care regimen is a bit more involved. In fact, the standard routine is built around the ability to practice proper brushing and flossing at home, maintaining a healthy diet, and attending your routine checkups. During your visit with our office, your dentist will assist in more than just a cavity hunt. In fact, we pay close attention to check not only your teeth but tissues and other oral structures as well for signs of damage, decay, and any other abnormalities. We check the gums for signs of inflammation or infection, the mouth for any rough or white patches, and of course, the teeth for signs of trauma, damage, decay, and more. We also recommend that you attend a scheduled visit at least once every six months in order for our team to properly monitor your grin, which also allows us time to identify minor concerns much before they develop into major ones.

What Does Diet Have to do with it?

Surprisingly, a lot. By now you are probably aware of the dangers of sugar and your smile, but what about other foods or beverages? Items such as fruits or juices typically contain high levels of acidity that actively work to break down the healthy layer of enamel present on the front of teeth. Once worn down enough, you may begin to experience sensitivity to cold or hot items and even sharp pain. To best avoid this, keeping an eye on your diet is an excellent preventive measure to maintain a healthy smile.

How Important is Flossing, Really?

While brushing your teeth helps remove deposits of bacteria in the form of plaque, flossing helps to remove lodged food particles between teeth. Many of us have experienced getting a piece of food stuck between structures, and sometimes getting them out can be difficult. If they are left here, oral bacteria will gather and feed off it, affording them the ability to make their way below the gum line and cause bigger concerns down the line such as periodontal disease.