In today’s world, people tend to take good care of their health. There is a lot of focus on healthy eating and exercise to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We do things every day to stay healthy. However, an aspect that we often overlook is our oral health. We tend to think that our teeth will last forever. However, this is not the case for everyone. Our teeth are vital in our life. They help us eat, speak, and play a big role in social interactions. Therefore, we should take good care of them. In this article, you will learn why you should look into preventive dentistry in Edmonton.
Why is preventive dentistry important?
Preventive dentistry is a modern approach to dentistry that consists of educating patients about the importance of oral health, and ensuring they have good oral health habits. This helps prevent common dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These two dental problems are the main causes of tooth loss. Tooth loss doesn’t just change a person’s appearance, it also affects their overall health. For example, many people with missing teeth have trouble eating and must resort to soft foods, resulting in nutritional deficits. As you can see, your dental problems aren’t limited to your mouth and can affect other systems.
What is involved in preventive dentistry?
The first step in preventive dentistry is finding a dentist near you. Normally, they will perform regular checkups every 6 months, where you will undergo routine teeth cleanings. These are conducted to remove all of the plaque and tartar that builds up over time in your teeth, especially in places that are hard to reach with your toothbrush or when flossing. It is vital to remove both the plaque and the tartar since failing to do so can result in cavities. Sometimes, your dentist will perform X-rays to assess the state and position of your teeth.
Also, during these regular checkups, your dentist will be able to perform a thorough oral exam that will allow them to diagnose any oral issues from very early stages. If your dentist finds any problems, they will be able to treat them without any complications. Finally, your dentist will assess your brushing and flossing techniques and correct any mistakes you make.
It doesn’t end at the dental office
People think that preventive dentistry ends with a visit to a dentist in Edmonton. However, this is far from the truth. The secret to having healthy teeth and gums is maintaining great oral health habits and following your dentist’s instructions. Generally, dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure not to brush your teeth too hard, since this could cause enamel wear and receding gums. Dentists also recommend flossing daily, to remove food that becomes lodged between your teeth, since it can develop into plaque if it isn’t taken care of.
There are other aspects of your life that affect your oral health, and the most important one is your diet. You should limit your sugar intake since this can put you at risk of developing dental cavities. This is particularly important for children. Also, try to avoid dark liquids such as coffee, tea, and pop since these are known to cause tooth discolouration.
Finally, give up smoking and other tobacco products. This habit is very detrimental to your oral health. It causes tooth discolouration, tooth loss, and oral cancer. All this along with the other effects it has on your heart and lungs is a significant reason to quit.
