When purchasing a high value item like a new car, most of us treat it like a new baby. We park it away from other vehicles, wash it frequently, and are timely with our oil changes and maintenance. We protect our investment to ensure it is useful for a long time.
What about your teeth? They are certainly of great value for eating, speaking, and smiling. Are you protecting your teeth to ensure they last you a lifetime? Preventive dental care is key to this goal. Let’s delve into what preventive care entails.
What is Preventive Dental Care?
Maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss is the goal of preventive dental care. Simple steps and habits go a long way towards protecting your teeth. Here are the key components of this type of care:
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital. If you visit the dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings, we detect teeth or gum issues early. This reduces the risk of costly oral health challenges.
Daily oral hygiene practices are also part of preventive dental care. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque. Incorporating mouthwash into your routine also reduces oral bacteria and freshens the breath.
Consider what you eat. Consuming a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is important for their high nutritional value. Chewing on crunchy foods also increases the saliva in your mouth, and that helps wash away plaque and food particles while rebuilding tooth enamel. Calcium rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables also promote strong teeth and bones. Avoiding or reducing sugary and refined foods that bacteria can easily digest helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Preventive Care Benefits
Good oral health is linked to overall physical health. Poor oral hygiene contributes to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections. So, preventive dental care is essential to protect your overall health. Plus, preserving your natural teeth with preventive care improves your quality of life and contributes to better chewing, speaking, and confidence in your appearance. Ensuring your teeth last your lifetime is well worth the effort!
Start Today
If you want to improve your oral health by establishing better habits and routines of oral care at home, eating better, or ensuring you are partnering with a qualified dental professional, contact the Placerville Dental Group. We want to support you in protecting your teeth for a lifetime of use! Visit or contact our Placerville dentist today!
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