Preventive dentistry is an approach to oral health care that focuses on maintaining the health of your teeth and gums through a combination of good oral hygiene practices, healthy lifestyle choices, regular dental check-ups, professional dental cleanings, and preventive dental care. The goal of preventive dentistry is to prevent dental problems before they occur or catch them early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Preventive dentistry is also a collaborative effort between the patient and the dental office team. Both play important roles in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. Let’s take a closer look at the role of each.
The Role of the Patient
As a patient, you are responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene practices and making healthy lifestyle choices that support good oral health. Here are some things a patient can do to take an active role in preventive dentistry:
- Practice good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. - Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and acid can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Choose foods that are high in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. - Quitting smoking.
Smoking and using other tobacco products can increase your risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of these problems. - Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
Attending regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings is also important to support good oral health. - Follow the recommendations of your dentist/dental team.
Your dental team may recommend additional measures, such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments, or orthodontic treatment. Follow your dental team’s recommendations to help maintain good oral health.
The Role of the Dental Team
The dental team detects and treats dental problems, and educates their patients about good oral health practices. Here are some of the things we do at Dr. Thomas Kaus Dentistry to promote preventive dentistry:
- Dental exams and cleanings.
During a dental exam, your teeth and gums will be examined for signs of decay, cancer, gum disease, and other problems. A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup will also be performed. - Preventive dentistry measures.
The dental team may recommend dental sealants, fluoride treatments, sports guards, bruxism splints, orthodontic treatment, or other measures to help prevent dental problems. - Education about good oral health practices.
Your dental team can provide information and education about good oral hygiene practices, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle choices that support good oral health. - Detect and treat dental problems early.
Prompt treatment can be provided if a dental problem is present, to prevent it from becoming more serious and more expensive to treat. - Develop personalized preventive dentistry plans.
Develop a customized preventive dentistry plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. This may include recommendations for home care and additional preventive dentistry measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preventive dentistry is a collaborative effort between the patient and the dental team. By working together, adopting good oral hygiene practices, eating a healthy diet, and attending regular check-ups and professional cleanings, you can prevent dental problems before they occur or catch them early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Your dental team can help you develop a customized preventive dentistry plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Further Reading
- Oral Health Foundation – Preventive care and oral hygiene
- Canadian Dental Association – Your oral health
- Canadian Dental Association – Flossing and Brushing
