Preventive dentistry is the best approach for extending the life of your teeth and preserving your smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day eliminates bacterial buildup and keeps your teeth clean. Sticking to your daily care routine at home can go a long way toward preventing cavities and gum disease, but will brushing and flossing prevent all dental problems? Every individual’s mouth is different, and genetics play a role in your oral health. Most individuals need the aid of preventive treatment in addition to brushing and flossing.
Regular Dental Exams Catch Developing Problems Early
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, you should also be attending biannual dentist appointments. Regular dental exams allow an oral health professional to look at your teeth and check for any developing issues. Even if you’re brushing and flossing daily, there are still some hard-to-reach surfaces where bacteria can hide. Your dental exam can uncover these surfaces and allow a professional to clean them. If there are any structural changes happening to your teeth, your dentist can also see those with the use of x-rays or digital imaging technology.
If I’m Attending Dentist Appointments, Do I Need to Brush and Floss?
If your dentist can use tools to remove bacterial buildup on your teeth to a greater degree than you can at home, you may ask yourself, “Does it even matter if I brush my teeth?” For one, no one likes bad breath. Even more importantly, the damage done by bacteria aggregates. When bacteria build up on the surfaces of your teeth, they produce acid that damages your enamel. This damage happens over time, so the longer the bacteria are allowed to sit, the more your enamel will weaken. That’s why it’s crucial to clean your teeth daily in between dentist visits.
Preventive Treatment Can Be Tailored to the Individual
In addition to cleanings and routine examinations during your biannual dentist appointments, your dentist can also prescribe additional preventive treatment. This recommendation will be made based on your individual oral health. If you’re more prone to cavities, your dentist may recommend brushing after meals. They may also give you a fluoride rinse to remineralize your dental enamel and fortify it against bacteria. When you take preventive steps with your oral health, you preserve the quality of your teeth.
Make an Appointment at Smith Family Dentistry
If you need to schedule a biannual dentist appointment, do so at Smith Family Dentistry. Our team takes a preventive view to oral health that focuses on the needs of the individual. We’ll assess your situation, clean your teeth, and make recommendations for preventive care to preserve your teeth. To schedule a checkup at Smith Family Dentistry, contact our Greenville, TX office at 903-455-5750.