16 Apr How to Prevent Cavities and Gum Disease—Why a Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
When you take a holistic approach to dentistry, as we do here at Prescott Dentistry, prevention takes priority. We aren’t your typical drill-and-fill dentists. We take your entire lifestyle into consideration, because many dental problems can be avoided by making a few small changes to your daily routine. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and it’s especially true when applied to dentistry.
Problems like tooth decay and gum disease often start because of bad habits. But unlike a headache or an upset stomach, you can’t just wait for these problems to resolve on their own. Ignoring things like tooth sensitivity or bleeding gums will only allow small problems to turn into serious ones, increasing the cost of treatment and risking permanent damage. So don’t skip your next dentist appointment—here’s why preventive dental care is so important.
I Don’t Have Any Symptoms—Do I Really Need to Go to the Dentist?
Even if your teeth and gums feel fine, and you haven’t noticed any changes in your dental health, don’t avoid going to the dentist. Many early signs of problems will only show up during an exam—if you wait until you’re in pain or you see visible stains or cracks, it may be too late to prevent permanent damage.
High-resolution scans during your exams can reveal hairline fractures, the beginnings of cavities, unconscious teeth-grinding, or the early signs of gum disease. Identifying potential problems and getting preventive treatment as soon as possible will help you avoid things like receding gums, root canals, and tooth loss. It can also help you avoid costly dental procedures that might max out your coverage.
How to Prevent Cavities
- Brush at least twice a day. The best times are right when you wake up, just before you go to bed, or 30 minutes after a snack or meal.
- Make sure you’re brushing your teeth the right way.
- Avoid starchy, sugary, and acidic foods, as well as coffee, sodas, and energy drinks.
- Chew sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol between meals.
- Try oil pulling to reduce plaque buildup.
- Change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if it starts to look worn.
- See a dentist for an exam and cleaning every six months.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
- Floss your teeth every single day.
- Make sure you’re flossing the right way.
- Drink extra water to prevent dry mouth.
- Make sure you’re getting enough B12 and Vitamin C.
- Quit bad habits like smoking or vaping.
- Tell your dentist if you notice any symptoms like bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity.
- Ask us about preventive treatments like laser therapy and ozone therapy.
Preventive Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
Even if going to the dentist gives you anxiety, don’t avoid it! You just need the right dentist—one who takes your entire wellbeing into consideration, who understands your fears and can put you at ease. We’ll do our best to help you overcome your fears so you can get the preventive care you need. To make an appointment, call us at 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/28/2024.