How Involved Is Your Preventive Routine?

green toothbrush with striped toothpaste in front of a red backgroundIt goes without saying that a youthful and vibrant smile is a goal that many individuals strive for. What’s more? Treatment such as cosmetic teeth whitening or porcelain veneers offer a simple solution for surface-level concerns, but bear in mind that these practices are rendered useless if your grin contains underlying issues that impact your health. As a result, restoration must first be sought. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist explores how preventive dentistry impacts your smile’s health, including how it serves as the main line of defense and protection against harm.

More Than Just Brushing

Whether you are aware of it or not, your teeth are constantly on the defensive against a never-ending barrage of oral threats. Indeed, from physical damage due to teeth-grinding to dental decay or infection and everything in-between, there is not much your grin is truly safe from. What’s more? As time goes by, you become more and more at risk of developing a major complication that threatens your health, and it is for this reason that preventive dentistry must be considered.

Preventive dentistry consists of treatment and/or practices that aim to provide protection against oral bacteria, as well as help your structures fend off these harms. The most common tenet that comes to mind when patients are asked is brushing their teeth, and it is important for a reason.

You see, plaque develops as the day goes on, and without a method to remove these deposits, you face an increased risk of infection, decay, bad breath, and more. Because of this, it is recommended you brush your teeth at least twice a day. To learn more, reach out to our office.

Why Flossing Matters

In addition to brushing at home, flossing is essential to protect your gums from infection. Indeed, your oral health is comprised of more than just your teeth, and as such, structures such as gums and more require care as well.

Flossing plays an integral role, as food particles that become lodged between structures can attract the bacteria that lead to gum disease. When you remove these particles, however, your chances of developing this issue significantly diminish. Contact our team to learn more and schedule your appointment today.

Checkups are Important

While brushing and flossing are essential to a healthy smile, no preventive dental routine is complete without routine checkups and cleanings. Indeed, these visits allow a trained professional to examine your mouth, providing a more detailed and comprehensive assessment than a self-examination might. What’s more? We recommend attending a checkup at least once every six months in order to ensure minor issues can be eliminated and prevented from developing into major ones.

Schedule Your Next Visit

Contact Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to schedule your next appointment with our team, and learn more about effective dental prevention today.