We all know that sometimes dental damage can pop up despite our best efforts. However, there are simple steps that you can take to minimize your risk of developing oral health problems. Our Santa Monica dentists have put together this overview of preventive dentistry so that you can make sure that you’re doing everything possible to care for your smile. Let’s get started!
Preventive dentistry is designed to keep your enamel and gum tissue as strong as possible, while simultaneously minimizing external threats to your oral health, like harmful oral bacteria.
When you clean your smile every day at home, you’re engaging in preventive dentistry. Remember that you need to brush your smile every morning and night, and floss every night. Try to brush for at least two minutes every time that you brush, and apply gentle—not firm—pressure the whole time. You can additionally add a mouth rinse into your routine for extra breath freshening and bacteria-killing power.
Here in our office, we provide semi-annual professional cleanings to clear away plaque and tartar that have accumulated over the months or years since you’ve been to the dentist. These appointments are crucial to maintaining oral health, and you simply cannot get rid of all of the bacteria in your mouth all alone at home.
Our dental team may recommend additional preventive treatments if your teeth seem weakened or particularly at risk. Topical fluoride treatments work to strengthen your natural enamel so that it can better stand up to invasive bacteria. Another preventive option is the application of sealants—in this case, our team covers portions of your teeth with a thin coat of protective resin. Sealants are typically applied on the bite surfaces of the back molars.
Now is the time to seek out preventive dentistry treatments. Our Santa Monica dentists can help you maintain a strong and healthy smile for years to come—just give us a call to get started!