Preventive dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on the maintenance of good oral health and prevention of dental diseases. It involves regular trips to our dentist in Orpington and developing good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
What can cause poor oral health?
Poor oral health is prevalent worldwide, however it is easily preventable through the practice of good oral hygiene. Most dental diseases are caused by a lack of preventive dentistry including poor dietary choices which cause tooth decay and cavities and poor oral hygiene habits. This can cause many dental diseases with the worst case scenario being complete tooth loss or even oral cancer. It is for this reason, here at Cray Dental Care we highly encourage you to visit our dentist in Orpington for regular check-ups so your oral health is taken care of properly.
What preventive services do dentists offer?
Our dentist in Orpington can offer you a variety of services in order to prevent and treat early and even advanced stages of any oral diseases. Some of the services commonly offered include regular oral examinations which are carried out every six months. This involves a thorough physical examination of your mouth in order to detect any signs of plaque formation, tooth decay, the requirement of fillings and thinning of the enamel. If our dentist does detect any of these signs, they can proceed with the correct and necessary treatment in order to prevent your symptoms from worsening or progressing to a more advanced oral disease. You may also be offered regular teeth cleaning which can be carried out by either a dental hygienist or the dentist. By getting your teeth cleaned professionally, you can rest assured that any remaining food particles that your toothbrush may not be able to reach, are thoroughly cleaned out leaving no opportunity for tooth decay to occur. Additionally, by getting your teeth cleaned regularly you can prevent them from getting stained or turning yellow. Your dentist may also offer you routine X-rays which can detect signs of bone loss and any changes to the tooth roots which cannot be seen in a normal physical examination.
What preventive steps can be taken at home?
Much of your preventive dentistry experience actually takes place at home. The easiest and most successful way to prevent getting any form of dental disease is through regular and thorough brushing using a fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to floss daily so that you can expel any particles of food that are stuck in between your teeth that cannot be reached by the bristles of your toothbrush.
Another important way to maintain good oral hygiene is to have a diet which is low in sugar and starch as these are the main causes of cavities. By limiting your sugar intake, you can prevent the development of cavities which will eventually lead to tooth decay. It is also important to avoid drinking too much caffeine or red wine and to avoid smoking or chewing on tobacco, as these are major contributors to causing your teeth to stain or become yellow. It is important to avoid biting on hard foods such as hard boiled sweets and bones as these may cause your teeth to chip, especially if the enamel has thinned down.
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