Preventive dentistry is the practice of working with your dentist to keep your mouth healthy, which can result in needing fewer dental treatments and help reduce the risk of future health problems. Here, we share some expert tips on keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Attend check-ups
Regular check-ups are key to maintaining good oral health. At the check-up, your dentist will advise on the right course of preventive care. This could include anything from what sort of toothpaste to use, to how to clean between your teeth. Check-ups can take place from every six months to every two years. Usually, the lower the risk of health problems, the longer you can wait between check-ups. As well as checking the health of teeth and gums, the dentist will also look for early signs of conditions such as gum disease or mouth cancer by feeling inside the mouth and sometimes, the neck and jaw too. They may also take an x-ray.
Keep your teeth clean and gums healthy
The two main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. Along with attending your check-ups, keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy is the best way to avoid these conditions. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth with floss or an interdental toothbrush and cleaning for at least two minutes each time helps to keep your teeth and gums in tip top condition.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Foods high in sugar can contribute to tooth decay due to the sugar reacting with bacteria in the plaque which forms on teeth. With too much sugar, tooth enamel can break down, leading to decay. For this reason, limiting sugar intake can help to keep teeth and gums healthy. Foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, unsweetened cereals, bread and plain yogurt are all foods shown to be kinder to teeth. It’s also important to limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking, with research showing that that smokers have a significantly increased risk of tooth loss.
Encourage good dental care in children
Finally, encouraging good dental care in children can instil good dental habits from an early age. Take them to the dentist as soon as their teeth start to come through to get them used to the environment. Start a regular brushing routine at this time too and above all, try to be positive about visits to the dentist!
Finally, never postpone a trip to the dentist. Always attend your check-ups and speak to the dentist straightaway if you’re experiencing pain or anything unusual.
With the Good All Round cash plan from Sovereign Health Care, you can claim money back towards the cost of NHS and private dental check-ups and treatment and many other everyday health expenses. For more information visit sovereignhealthcare.co.uk/good-all-round.