Prevention is better than a cure.
Preventive dentistry focuses on preventing dental issues rather than waiting to fix broken or worn down teeth. We’re firm believers in the value of addressing problems in their infancy, before they become more serious issues. At the heart of preventive dentistry is the belief that if you follow all the important steps of maintaining good oral hygiene, many dental issues or emergencies can be prevented.
It’s never too early or too late in life to begin practicing good oral hygiene techniques. Oral hygiene is an important part of overall healthy lifestyle and we emphasise preventive dentistry to reduce the incidence of dental disease for all ages.
Preventive dentistry generally includes the following:
Regular brushing and flossing – We recommend you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day, to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh. If you don’t brush or floss regularly, plaque can build up inside your mouth to create acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Healthy diet – In addition to regular brushing and flossing, having a healthy diet also plays a major role in preventive dentistry. The food and drink you consume has just as big an effect on your teeth and gums as it does on your overall health. Eating cheese, chicken, nuts and meat protects tooth enamel while chocolates and carbonated soft drinks increase the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases.
Fluoride use – Fluoride has been used as a defence against tooth decay. We use it in toothpastes as well as our water supply to give daily protection to our teeth.
Regular dental visits – We recommend you visit Ashburton Family Dental every six months for an examination and professional clean. Many dental problems don’t have any major signs or symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Therefore, regular dental visits can help reduce the risk of major dental work, by treating minor problems before they become major ones.