The Best Preventative Dentistry in Auburn

We’ll start with an informative consultation, during which we’ll talk with you to understand some aspects of your lifestyle which may affect risk factors to your oral health. We’ll perform an evaluation and possibly take X-rays to get an in-depth understanding of your entire dental condition.  

What are the Types of Preventative Dentistry?

• Brushing and flossing.

Brushing and flossing are the preventative dentistry basics. Brushing helps to reduce plaque, a colony of living bacteria, food residues, and saliva. Plaque bacteria turn food particles into acids, which cause tooth decay. Toxins (poisons) produced by the bacteria cause gum inflammation and disease. 

Floss every time you brush if possible. It disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing gum, tooth, and bone damage. 

• Replace your toothbrush often. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should swap out your toothbrush every three to four months. This prevents the bristles from becoming worn and frayed, making them less effective at clearing away plaque and more abrasive on your gums.

• Maintain a healthy diet.

At Lake of the Pines Dental, we’ll help you understand how too much of certain foods and beverages can harm teeth, including:

• Carbonated beverages
• Foods with fermentable carbs
• Fruit juice
• Pickles
• Honey

Many of us love these types of foods and beverages. Fortunately, there are ways you can consume them while keeping your teeth healthy. 

• Keep your dental appointments.

The CDC recommends cleaning by a dental professional every six months. We’ll perform a comprehensive examination and provide a deep cleaning to help reduce plaque, tartar, and calculus. We’ll look for long-term dental problems that aren’t always obvious.

• X-rays

Many people do not like to have X-rays taken. Sometimes patients have concerns about the radiation. An X-ray taken at your dental office includes a safe amount of radiation, only about the same amount you’d receive from consuming four bananas because technically, the potassium in bananas is radioactive. And the benefits of X-rays are great. They provide a deep, thorough picture of your teeth and mouth structure. 

• Dental sealants

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to just about any tooth surface. Dental sealants are a great way to strengthen and protect teeth and a minimally-invasive procedure. Sealants provide a quick, comfortable way to protect your teeth against cavities.. A sealant can be long-lasting and match your natural tooth color to help beautify your smile. 

• Use fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens our tooth enamel. You can get fluoride by brushing your teeth with ADA-recommended toothpaste. You can also take fluoride supplements, eat fluoridated foods, and drink fluoridated beverages. We can also treat your teeth with a fluoride varnish after cleanings.

• Chew sugar-free gum 

Yes, you read that right. Chewing gum can be good for your health. Make sure it’s sugar-free gum. It helps by stimulating saliva to wash away food particles and neutralizing acids in your mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum is especially helpful after eating or snacking throughout the day. 

• Wear a dental guard 

When playing sports, A mouthguard can transfer unexpected forces away from the vulnerable parts of your teeth and mouth. We can design them to fit comfortably and clean easily. 

• Avoid clenching teeth

Some patients have the bad habit of clenching teeth. This can loosen teeth from the jawbone over time and cause gum recession. If you grind your teeth at night, we can provide a mouthguard to wear when sleeping. 

Call Today for a Consultation

We hope this has been a helpful guide toward quality preventative dentistry measures. If you have any questions about anything we’ve mentioned, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Our comprehensive dental philosophy includes a prevention and treatment approach. Just reach out to us for an informative consultation. We’ll arm you with good information which can support at-home care to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile wide and bright. 

Practicing good preventative measures will keep you feeling fantastic. You’ll also feel fantastic about spending less time and money on your teeth because you’ll be spending less time and money in the dentist’s chair.