Maintenance will continue to frequent your every day life. From cleaning the house to putting oil in the car, the ongoing preventive care you engage in keeps your life running smooth. The same concept can be applied to your smile. Preventive dental care promotes a healthy smile and reduces the chance of dental health issues. To answer some questions about oral heatlh, Dr. Mai in Garland, Tx explains preventive dental care.
Prevention FAQ
Q: What is preventive dental care?
A: Routine oral health care, such as: brushing, flossing, and fluoride rinses at home remains the top three practices for preventive dental care, aside from visiting your dentist in Garland, Tx for bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings.
Q: Why is prevention important?
A: The continuous health of your mouth relies on preventive dental care. Bacteria and infection form and spread throughout the mouth without consistent maintenance to oral health. Brushing and flossing help in removing plaque from the teeth surfaces and in between your teeth. A conservative, low-sugar diet not only helps your entire body, but it helps reduce the prevalence of bacteria in your mouth. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings also fall under preventive oral care, lessening the chance of infection or costly dental procedures
Q: How often should I visit the dentist?
A: Dr. Mai recommends biannual dental checkups and cleanings. During a checkup, the doctor will examine your mouth for various stages of gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ, and potential signs of oral cancer. Attending biannually or as recommended by your doctor, checkups and cleanings manifest a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth, and it also allows the doctor to check for some of the following conditions:
- Bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding, typically committed while sleeping)
- Mismatched bite pattern
- Chipped, crowded, or discolored teeth
- Condition of previous dental work
Q: What are some suggestions for a good oral health routine?
A: Some of the following will help with maintaining your oral health at home:
- Brush teeth twice a day
- Replace toothbrush about every three-to-four months
- Floss in between meals to keep food particles from lodging between teeth
- Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugars and refined carbohydrates
- Attend dental checkups and cleanings biannually
About Dr. Mai
Dr.Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. If it’s about time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning appointment, then call us today at (972) 530-0552.
