How do you prevent dental problems? Easy. Through preventive dentistry. If you already see your dentist every six months for teeth cleaning and exams, you’re already doing a great job of warding off oral health issues. But there are even more examples of preventive dentistry that you can practice at home and receive from your Manhattan Beach dentist that can keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
1. Stick to a Stellar Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the best things you can do for your teeth and gums is to clean them religiously at home every day. This means at least two brushings and at least one flossing. Soft-bristled brush or electric toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste recommended by your dentist, effective dental floss, maybe even some mouthwash. Taking three minutes at the beginning and end of each day to care for your teeth is the best opportunity for you to prevent plaque, bacteria, and food particles from turning into tooth decay.
2. Invest in a Customized Mouthguard
Teeth grinding and clenching is a serious problem. Not only does it cause pain, a popping jaw, and morning headaches, it causes serious dental damage. Your teeth are supposed to work together when you’re eating, they’re not supposed to grind against each other while you’re sleeping. This action can lead to gum recession, damaged dental work, worn tooth enamel, and more oral health problems. A customized mouthguard prevents TMJ problems from wreaking havoc on your teeth and works immediately once in place.
3. Get Dental Sealants
Though dental sealants are typically reserved for children and their erupting teeth, adults who have especially thin tooth enamel susceptible to multiple cavities can benefit from this treatment. Dental sealants are clear plastic coatings that are painted over the chewing surface of the teeth. This effort fills in the tiny grooves that are all over your teeth and prevents them from collecting bacteria and, as a result, developing cavities. Fast and non-invasive, this simple preventive dentistry treatment helps save patients from tooth decay, pain, and the need for restorative dentistry.
4. See Your Dentist Right Away
No one wants to have an oral health problem. If you do suddenly find yourself in pain or suffering from a blow to the mouth or dealing with tender, bleeding gums, the last thing you may want to do is contact your Manhattan Beach dentist – but you should. Always. Preventive dentistry is also about taking care of problems before they become bigger problems.
Whether you need emergency dentistry, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment, your acute problem is important and requires the eyes and hands of an expert to manage. If you want to prevent the need for more advanced and invasive dental repairs later on, contact your dentist right away when a problem emerges.
Get Preventive Dentistry in Manhattan Beach
Need an appointment for a thorough teeth cleaning? Have an oral health problem that needs to be addressed right away? Contact Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA, to schedule an appointment.
