Preventive Dentistry: How To Save Your Teeth

Preventive dentistry is more than giving you a perfect smile; it helps save your teeth

. It can also impact on your general health. It has been shown by research that heart attack, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis are all connected to periodontal disease.

Preventive dentistry, is as the name implies, dentistry that aims at preventing problems rather than treating problems of the teeth which have already arisen. There are several steps that are involved with good preventive dentistry. First, regular check ups with your dentist are a must. At these visits, you can bring up any questions you have about your teeth, such as pain or sensitivity that you are currently experiencing.

At these visits, the dentist or the hygienist will give your teeth a thorough professional clean to remove the tartar that has built up. This procedure needs to be carried out at least twice a year. At the same time, the hygienist will instruct you in the best way to brush and floss your teeth. She will probably recommend you use a soft toothbrush, as this causes the least harm to gums and teeth.

You will also be given a guide about the best oral care products to use, such as toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash if required so you can do proper caring for your teeth. Finally, the dentist or hygienist may talk to you about the best diet to follow to preserve your teeth. He will no doubt warn you against the consumption of sugary snacks which encourage the formation of plaque. If snacks are eaten, they should be fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt or cheese.

Another measure which the dentist may prescribe is the use of a fissure sealant. A fissure sealant is a protective coating placed on the biting surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. It is often used on the first permanent molars which appear in the mouth at about six years of age. These teeth have deep grooves which cannot be properly cleaned with a toothbrush or floss, so the sealant acts as a barrier to prevent decay occurring in these grooves. The application of the sealant is quick and easy and will remain for years if looked after properly.

A very useful device for preventive dentistry is the mouth guard. This is particularly important if the patient plays a lot of contact sport. The mouth guard covers and protects the teeth and gums and will prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips and gums. It is a worthwhile investment for any parent of active children who play a lot of sport.

Preventive dental care ideally should start in the very earliest years of a child's life. When the first tooth arrives, or at least by his first birthday, the child should be taken to the dentist. The dentist can in this way keep a close eye on the teeth that are coming through, to make sure that they are sound and growing straight and he will also begin to build a rapport with the child for the years ahead.

A well-cared for teeth will not only ensure the child remains pain-free, but will enable him to develop self-confidence. Poor-looking teeth rob a child or indeed an adult, of self-esteem, but a great smile will make him feel and look great. Preventive dentistry is the best way for anyone to ensure that their teeth are free from pain and their mouth is healthy. This is what you should do if you want to save your teeth today.

by: Jimmy Cox

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