Top 8 Preventive Dentistry Practices for a Lifetime of Oral Health

Just as it is important to visit your dentist to maintain good oral health, everyday preventive dentistry practices are crucial to keeping teeth and mouth clean and healthy and dental issues away.

To complement your dental visits, following a strong dental routine can make all the difference. Simple habits can go a long way in supporting your oral health between appointments.

Here, we'll have a closer look at some good habits you can include in your everyday life to keep a bright smile.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Before discussing specific practices, it is important to first understand what is the goal of preventive dentistry and the impact it has on oral health.

Preventive dentistry focuses on proactive care and daily practices to maintain optimal oral health. Prioritizing regular maintenance and early intervention aims to prevent dental issues like decay and gum disease, two leading causes of tooth loss.

These daily practices, combined with check-ups by your dentist, can significantly prevent the need for extensive and expensive dental treatments, demonstrating how preventive care avoids costly treatments. 

The more effectively you prevent these issues, the better chance of keeping your natural teeth for life.

What Preventive Dentistry Habits Can I Follow?

Some dental prevention practices you can adopt to improve your oral health include:

Brush Your Teeth Properly and Regularly

The first thing to come up when talking about taking care of our teeth is brushing. Brushing at least two times a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) is the most important habit in a healthy dental routine. 

If you’re wondering how long are you supposed to brush your teeth, the ADA recommends doing it for two minutes.

You can also consult with your dentist on what is the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you, and ask for any other dental cleaning tools recommendations.

Clean Your Tongue

Cleaning your tongue during your teeth brushing routine is equally important. It helps to remove bacteria and other residues from the surface of the tongue.

You can use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean it, prevent bad breath, and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Floss Daily

Flossing is also highly recommended. This practice helps to clean between teeth, the tight spaces where a toothbrush can’t reach. 

There are different dental tools, in addition to the traditional string floss, that are used to clean between teeth:

• Dental picks: This consists of floss pre-attached to a plastic U-shaped tool. They are practical because you don’t have to use your fingers and can reach back teeth more easily. It is important to remember not to use them again as they’ll be covered in bacteria.

• Water flosser: Also known as oral irrigators, these devices use a pressured stream of water to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line. People with braces and dental implants can benefit from this tool.

• Interdental brush: These small, bristle-tipped brushes are designed to clean between teeth. They are available in various sizes to fit different gaps. They’re very effective for people with wider spaces between their teeth or those with braces.

The key is to know how to floss properly, so you can remove food particles trapped in between teeth. When these food leftovers remain in your teeth, they become a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, this buildup can lead to the formation of plaque, which hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, potentially causing inflammation or infection.

If left untreated, these issues may progress to gum disease increasing the risk of tooth decay and compromising the health of your smile.

Using Mouthwash

The use of mouthwash can significantly enhance your oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash acts as an additional protection layer, helping to reduce plaque, fight bad breath, and remove some left food debris.

Eating a Balanced Diet

Dietary habits have a big impact on the health of our teeth. Consuming a variety of foods rich in nutrients not only supports overall health but also strengthens your teeth and gums.

It is important to limit your sugar intake as bacteria feed from it leading to tooth decay. Additionally, make sure to limit your consumption of acidic foods which can cause the wear away of the tooth enamel.

Staying hydrated is also crucial, as water helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products

Avoiding tobacco products can make a huge difference when working on preventive dentistry habits, as tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals, including the highly addictive nicotine.

Additionally, cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of various types of oral cancer and periodontal disease.

By choosing to avoid any kind of tobacco products, you protect your teeth, gums, and overall health, reducing your risk of serious dental issues.

Dental Check-Ups

Visiting your dentist at least once a year to check for any oral health issues is also an important preventive practice.

During dental check-ups, your dentist can catch potential issues early and prevent them from worsening. Additionally, dental professionals can provide advice to help you make informed decisions about your oral health routine.

Professional Dental Cleanings

In addition to having a check-up, getting your teeth professionally cleaned can help you maintain them healthy.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Keep a Lasting Smile

By following these practices, you can maintain a healthy, lasting smile and enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health for years to come.