It is well known that routine dental care is essential to the maintenance of a patient’s oral health, but the reasons why are not always as clear. Patients who have questions regarding dental care should consult with a dentist for help in understanding the importance of properly caring for their teeth.
The following are common questions that patients have regarding routine dental care.
Many people do not see the dentist on a consistent, regular basis. Some patients believe that going to the dentist is only needed when there is a problem. However, biannual dental exams are essential as a preventative treatment.
Routine visits involving cleanings, thorough exams, and X-rays can help discover a problem early. For example, a dental exam may be able to catch periodontal disease in the early stages before it has advanced to complications such as tooth and bone loss. Early detection of dental problems can help save teeth and money in the process, as conditions that go undetected and cause serious issues are generally more difficult and expensive to treat.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral in many foods, is vital in keeping the teeth healthy and preventing cavities. While it is usually found in water in small amounts, additional fluoride is added to the water supply in most communities to ensure that people receive the appropriate amount necessary for good oral health. This mineral is also added to most toothpastes for extra protection.
Fluoride is one of the easiest ways to help prevent tooth decay and is safe and effective. The mineral acts to strengthen tooth enamel and can even help to reverse the early stages of decay. The benefits are especially important for children, who are more vulnerable to experiencing cavities and tooth decay.
It is commonly assumed that brushing is enough to clean the teeth and flossing is not necessary. However, flossing is just as important as brushing the teeth and should not be omitted. Brushing cannot remove all of the food particles and bacteria in the mouth, particularly what collects in the small spaces between the teeth. Flossing is the more effective way to get to the bacteria trapped between teeth. If patients neglect regular flossing, the plaque between teeth may harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. If tartar is not removed, it may lead to inflamed gums and gum disease.
Flossing can also help to prevent cavities, which can develop in between teeth. Patients should always be sure to include daily flossing in their dental care routine, along with brushing the teeth and using mouthwash.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Emerson, NJ
It is important for dental patients to be proactive about their oral health, as well as to understand why routine dental care is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Request an appointment or call Emerson Dental Associates at 201-620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.
Daily oral hygiene habits should not be considered a substitute for the routine dental care that occurs during a dental checkup and cleaning. There are oral health concerns that a dentist will be able to proactively address during an office visit, but the equipment and tools used to care for both teeth and gums are…
Professional teeth cleaning is an important aspect of routine dental care. In addition to practicing thorough oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing and flossing of the teeth, patients should always maintain biannual dental exams to ensure excellent oral health.The following are a few of the numerous benefits that regular teeth cleanings offer when included…
Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health. While going to the dentist twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, the frequency of the visits ultimately depends on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the dentist. Learn how often routine care should be scheduled and…
Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…
Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your oral health, including any damage or wear that has occurred to the denture over time. If you notice that they are worn out or cracked, it's time to head to the dentist and get them fixed up so that you…