For some people, there are few things that elicit dread like a visit to the dentist. Thinking about the sounds, the scraping, and the poking causes many people to get shivers.
There are things you can do, however, to make these visits more bearable. Good preventive care is crucial, not only to your oral health but also to your overall health.
At-Home Care
Daily brushing is one of the best things you can do to promote good oral health and hygiene. This can prevent the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay – plaque buildup. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and gums, too. These are often overlooked but very important areas of the mouth.
Flossing and mouthwash are also crucial components of your daily at-home oral hygiene routine. Flossing removes the food that can get stuck in between teeth and along the gumline. Mouthwash cleans more of your mouth’s surface and kills germs, which can strengthen your teeth.
In-Office Dental Care
Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth and mouth at home, regular dental checkups are important. However, if you properly brush, floss, and use mouthwash, your visits should go much more smoothly. Preventive dental service Miami Beach FL often involves professional cleaning and polishing, as well as exams. A dentist will examine your mouth for signs of health conditions like gum disease and cancer.
You can also receive fluoride treatments which help to limit the growth of bacteria in your mouth and restore much-needed minerals to your teeth surfaces. Dental x-rays allow dentists to examine below the gumline to identify any potentially troubling issues.
Many people don’t particularly enjoy a trip to the dentist, but good preventive care means fewer problems down the road.
