The Importance of Preventive Dentistry
You’ve probably heard the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, but it seems like most people don’t really apply it to their dental health, even though there’s an entire branch of dentistry dedicated to prevention. That being said, preventive dentistry helps you avoid gum disease, cavities, enamel water and everything in between. There are various different forms of preventive dentistry, and all of them will benefit your dental health immensely.
Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up is one of the most important steps. And when it comes to dentists Melbourne has a ton of them, so you shouldn’t hesitate about going to a clinic and having your teeth and gum checked. If you’re at a high-risk for dental related problems, then you might even want to consider going for check-ups more frequently. A good dental cleaning never hurt nobody. Lastly, it’s easier for the dentist to fix a problem before it actually becomes a problem, because as you know, you don’t necessarily have to experience pain and discomfort, yet still, some of your teeth may be starting to decay.
Brushing your teeth is arguably THE most important part of preventive dentistry. Using a fluoride toothpaste is what most dentists Melbourne based recommend, and it’s suggested that you replace your toothbrush a few times a year, simply because the bristles begin to fray. Brushing your tongue is also important, as it helps remove bacteria from your mouth and helps freshen up your breath. Furthermore, don’t forget to floss, as this helps remove the leftovers in the space between your teeth. If you have braces, you may need to floss between the metal brackets as well. If you aren’t sure what the best way to floss is, just ask your dentist on your next visit.
Lastly, it’s important to eat a balanced diet. A diet filled with all the nutrients that your teeth need, such as calcium, iron, vitamin B3, B12, B2 and C can positively impact your oral health. Moreover, limiting your sugar intake, including even simple carbs like white bread and soft drinks, while drinking plenty of water during your day, can make a world of difference.
Good dental hygiene translates into good overall health. This way, you greatly reduce the risk of getting cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental problems. This in turn reduces the risk of secondary issues caused by poor oral health, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer. Additionally, low birth weight and premature birth are also considered to be linked with poor oral health, which means taking care of your oral hygiene is especially important when you’re pregnant.
