Preventative Care- Don't Let Dental Hygiene Maintenance Hibernate This Winter

While you are responsible for your daily dental maintenance

, your San Jose dentist plays an integral role in preventative oral care as well. Dental hygiene is the process by which preventative dental care is provided by your dentist to keep you smiling longer. Brushing your teeth is fundamentally important, but alone it will not remove the calculus that builds up over time. Calculus must be removed to lower your risk of toothaches, cavities, periodontal disease or even the loss of all your teeth. By removing calculus, you can reduce your chances of needing root canals, tooth extractions, dental bridges, crowns and more. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care with chairside treatments and counseling by your San Jose dentist.

Maintain At-Home Dental Care

One of the most important prevention techniques is brushing and flossing at least twice a day to remove dental plaque, a film-like coating that forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque can build up and produce dental tartar, a hardened, sticky substance with acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay and lead to gum disease.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is arguably the most essential component to the maintenance of good oral health. The foods that we often eat contain sugars and starches. When plaque combines with these sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the tooth surfaces while flossing removes plaque from in between the teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for approximately two minutes, preferably after eating.

Additionally, flossing in between your teeth is an essential part of the oral hygiene practice for avoiding gum disease and preventing tooth decay. Many people do not realize the importance of flossing and often forego the hygienic practice, believing that tooth brushing is an adequate enough practice for removing plaque. Tooth decay is a serious oral health concern that is caused by a buildup of plaque. Flossing is not hard, does not take much time and should be performed daily to eliminate plaque.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Maintaining regular dental exams is the key to keeping your teeth away from oral diseases and treat the ones that already exist. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends comprehensive dental exams for all patients that are new to a practice and every three years for established patients. Comprehensive examinations are performed to determine any changes in dental and health status since their previous visit. A comprehensive exam also lays the foundation for the routine check and is much more than just a cleaning.

It is recommended that you visit your dentist in San Jose every six months, so that your dentist can take care of routine maintenance and preventive processes that can help you stop and prevent tooth decay. Make an appointment with your dentist in San Jose every six months for proper care, in addition to daily brushing and flossing.

While at your checkup, preventive services may also include removal of plaque and tartar, stain removal, fluoride application, sealants and polishing of fillings or crowns. Your San Jose dentist will provide you with proper tooth brushing and flossing instructions, as well as an array of other helpful information for maintaining a healthy smile. Schedule your regular dental exam today.

by: Gen Wright

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