Our preventative dentistry services at King Centre Dental in Alexandria are a proactive approach to oral health. It focuses on preventing dental issues before they arise and is crucial to maintaining good oral health. We understand that few people enjoy the dentist, so we strive to make it an enjoyable experience. We aim to empower you to take control of your oral health, and this comprehensive guide on preventative dentistry will help you better understand how to stop dental problems before they occur.
Please schedule an appointment with us today!
Regular Checkups and Cleanings
The first step in preventative dentistry is identifying problems early. Regular dentist appointments ensure that your oral health is in check and that we detect possible issues early. At King Centre Dental, we recommend a bi-annual checkup and cleaning.
A professional dental hygienist will clean your teeth and check your gum health during the appointment. Dr. Benson Clark and his team will review your medical history and conduct an oral cancer screening. This early detection can prevent more significant dental issues from arising, which might require more complex treatment and restorative dentistry.
Daily Oral Hygiene Care
You should maintain good oral hygiene daily to maintain optimal oral health. The most crucial part of personal oral hygiene is brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste that can help reduce the risk of cavities. It is essential to replace your toothbrush every three months and to floss daily. When flossing, we recommend using an interdental brush to reach and clean the tight spaces that regular floss might miss. Finally, use an antibacterial mouthwash twice daily to freshen your breath and keep your overall oral health in check.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
What you eat and drink can profoundly affect your oral health. Sugary, acidic, or starchy foods and beverages like soda or sports drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead, choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and water to prevent tooth decay. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks to avoid acidic damage. Similarly, smoking and alcohol can damage your enamel and increase the risk of gum disease substantially. Therefore, it is vital to quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
Protect Your Teeth
Mouthguards are essential equipment for contact sports or other risky activities. They protect the mouth from injury and are integral to preventative dental care. Apart from that, avoiding using your teeth to open things and chewing on ice or other hard objects is essential in preventing damage to your teeth. Additionally, maintaining healthy habits like getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding bad habits like teeth-grinding can prolong the lifespan of your teeth.
Consider Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that we can apply to the occlusal surface of your back teeth (molars and premolars). This plastic shield protects teeth from decay, and while usually applied to kids and young adults, it benefits anyone who wants to protect their teeth from cavities. They can last up to ten years, and we can check them during regular dental appointments to ensure their effectiveness.
Alexandria Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is critical in maintaining good oral health and overall health and well-being. Regular dental checkups and cleanings, daily oral hygiene care, dietary and lifestyle changes, mouthguard use, and dental sealants are all crucial in preventing dental issues from occurring.
At King Centre Dental, we encourage you to make regular appointments and preventative dentistry a part of your life to avoid complex dental procedures and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. In addition to preventative dentistry, we offer orthodontics, family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
