One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to practice preventative care. This is how you can avoid more serious problems with your teeth down the road. Your dentist in Northborough, Dr. Robert J. Gauthier Jr. of Apex Dental, shares tips for preventative care and why it’s essential to practice in your daily life.
Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings
One of the staples of preventative care is to go for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. The specialized tools that our dental hygienists use are designed to get into places that you may not be able to reach with normal brushing and flossing. They can remove stickier plaque and tartar that may be clinging to the teeth and cannot be removed by just a toothbrush.
When you get a dental checkup, they’re checking for things that you won’t be able to find by yourself. The early stages of tooth decay can’t always be detected. There’s no real pain at the beginning, so if it’s in a hard to reach spot, you may not even know it’s there. Using x-rays and their expertise, the staff of Apex Dental will be able to locate the warning signs of cavities.
A very high percentage of adults have some sort of gum disease. This is something else that has little warning signs in the early stages. It’s also a condition that’s very important to treat early. Untreated gum disease can lead to painful symptoms, including tooth loss.
At checkups, Dr. Gauthier will also check for signs of TMJ disorders and oral cancer. Again, they may notice things that you wouldn’t. Signs of cancer can be as simple as mouth sores or slightly swollen areas. TMJ can be detected by headaches or pain in the face and jaw. However, a dentist can examine the joints and the way your teeth line up. They can help you determine a treatment plan before the symptoms worsen.
Home Oral Health Care
Doing your part at home is also crucial for preventative care. The easiest thing you can do is to get into a normal brushing and flossing routine. It should be done at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Brushing your teeth keeps plaque from building up and causing tooth decay. It also keeps your gums healthy, preventing gum disease.
Flossing is used for getting in between your teeth, where brushing can’t easily reach. Tiny bits of food can easily get stuck there, especially if your teeth are crooked or extremely close together. It’s important so that the foods don’t break down in those tight places, causing tooth decay in areas where it’s hard for you to notice.
Oral Health Care at Your Northborough Dentist
At Apex Dental, we’ll make sure your oral health is in great shape, keeping your smile flawless. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!