There are many things you may not know about dentistry – like what material dental crowns are made of or how a dental implant works. But, if there’s one thing you should know, it’s preventive dentistry (and everything about it). While you probably brush and floss your teeth every day, you’re probably not thinking about all of the different dental complications that you’re protecting yourself against. But did you know that your at-home dental hygiene isn’t the only part of preventive dentistry? There’s actually a lot more to keeping your mouth clean and healthy than your toothbrush and floss.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist
If you’ve gotten your teeth cleaned by a dentist before, you already know they use more than just a toothbrush. Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning includes an exam, too, which is equally as important. In doing this, your dentist is able to catch dental problems, like infections, early – putting a stop to them quicker and easier.
When your dentist cleans your teeth, they’re able to get the bacteria away from all of those hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t quite get. It’s a thorough, deep cleaning, to remove any and all bacteria from your mouth that could cause you harm. But, visiting your dentist and practicing excellent oral hygiene at home still aren’t the only parts of preventive dentistry.
Are You Eating Healthy?
Your diet is equally as important! When you’re not putting healthy foods into your mouth, not only does it affect your overall health, but it especially affects your oral health. Sugars and starches produce infection-causing bacteria, leading to tooth decay and cavities, if left untreated. But, even more, when your health is compromised in any way, your body can’t fight infections or other diseases and complications as effectively as it could if it were healthy.
