At Oakwood Dental Arts, we believe that the average person can avoid many of the common dental procedures simply through a proper dental hygiene routine. Proper care leads to the prevention of a wide range of dental problems, from minor things like tooth discoloration to major issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular Brushing & Flossing
First and foremost, care and prevention begins at home. Ideally, we recommend that you brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Because this is somewhat unrealistic due to your busy daily schedule, you should brush and floss at least twice daily, i.e., as part of your morning and bedtime routine. Brushing removes excess food particles and other bacteria that causes plaque and tooth decay, and the fluoride in your toothpaste also strengthens your tooth enamel. Brushing should be followed by flossing to clean up the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. This simple procedure also makes your teeth look brighter!
Dental Cleanings & Checkups
The next step in care and prevention is regular dental checkups. Checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and should, therefore, be scheduled every six months. Your biannual visit will consist of two parts: The checkup and the cleaning. The purpose of the checkup is for your dentist to ensure that no major issues have developed since your last visit, and if so, to take the necessary measures before it’s too late. This will be followed by a cleaning, where your dentist will use specialized tools to remove tartar, i.e., bacteria that leads to cavities. In addition, your regular checkup may involve an x-ray to monitor the state of your dental health more closely.
For more information on care and prevention or to schedule an appointment, contact Oakwood Dental Arts at our Freehold Township, NJ, dental office today!