Preventive dental care—in-office and at-home—protects your smile from damage and infection. In this short article our Toluca Lake dentists are going to be explaining key priorities of preventive care. We hope that this information gives you a better idea of how and why preventive care works.
Plaque Accumulation
As we go about our daily and nightly routines, oral bacteria build up in our mouths in the form of sticky plaque. Plaque clings to our teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to weaken our smiles. That is why it’s so important that we regularly clear away these bacteria to minimize damage. Every time you brush, floss, and rinse your smile, you diminish accumulated plaque.
Promote Strong Enamel
Another important objective is to develop and maintain strong dental enamel. As the outermost layer of your tooth, your dental enamel is an important protective covering for more sensitive dental layers. To encourage strong enamel you want to:
- Clean your smile
- Use products with fluoride
- Drink plenty of water
- Refrain from using abrasive brushes or toothpicks on your teeth
Promptly Pinpoint Problems
Professional preventive cleaning and assessments also give our dental team a chance to spot any emerging oral health problems before they become too serious. An important part of preventive dental care is early detection—this goes for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers.
Every once in a while, it is a good idea to collaborate with your dental team to make sure that your preventive dental routine is meeting your needs. You can always contact our Toluca Lake dentists to schedule a consultation with our team—we’re here to help!