Most people know that brushing and flossing their teeth regularly is important for keeping them healthy, but many don't realise how important preventive dentistry from our dentist in Orpington can be. By taking care of your teeth now, you can avoid costly dental problems down the road. Below are a few tips on how to keep your teeth healthy with preventive dentistry.
Use interdental brushes to clean between your teeth
This is one of the most effective ways to remove bacteria and plaque from those hard-to-reach places. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride because this will help to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
How to use interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are an essential part of any preventive dentistry routine since they help to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. It is important to use an interdental brush that is the right size for your teeth; if it is too big, it can cause discomfort and damage; if it is too small, it will not be effective.
To use an interdental brush, you must wet it, insert it into the space between your teeth and brush gently against the gum line. Move the brush back and forth a few times, then rinse it off and repeat on the other side of your mouth.
Get sealants on your molars
These high-fluoride coatings can protect your teeth from cavities and decay. They’re usually applied to your rear teeth (molars) because these teeth are more likely to develop cavities. Sealants can last for several years but need to be checked during regular check-ups by our dentist in Orpington to make sure they’re still intact.
How are sealants applied?
Our team can apply the sealants. We will first clean your teeth, dry them off and then apply the sealant to your teeth using a brush or applicator. Sealants usually dry within a few minutes, and you can resume your normal activities after. However, it is important to avoid chewing on hard foods or gum for the first 24 hours after the sealants are applied.
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, so it's best to avoid it as much as possible. This means limiting your intake of sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks and juices and sugary snacks such as candy, cookies, and cake.
See our team twice a year for checkups and cleaning
Regular dental visits are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and free of plaque and bacteria. During these visits, our team will examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of decay or disease. We’ll also clean your teeth to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar.
TL;DR
Regular dental visits to our dentist in Orpington at Cray Dental Care are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and free of plaque and bacteria. Our team will examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of decay or disease. During these visits, we’ll also clean your teeth to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar. So if you want to keep your teeth healthy and avoid costly dental problems in the future, be sure to see our team twice a year for checkups and cleaning!