The Importance of Preventative Dentistry for Dental Patients in Ottawa, Ontario

When you consistently care for your teeth to keep them in a healthy state, you are adhering to preventive dentistry recommendations, which help you avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel loss, and more. 

There are many ways that you can use preventive dentistry, such as regular brushing and dental appointments, to maintain great oral health. All these practices are intended to keep your teeth clean, white, and strong, while also taking care of your gums. 

From an early age, all patients should be taught ideal oral hygiene practices, which are essentially forms of preventive dentistry. 

Why do patients need restorative dental treatment (like dental implants, crowns, and root canals)?

Patients who do not commit to preventive dentistry practices often require more treatment than those who do. A few major decisions contribute to this outcome, which are: 

• Not visiting the dentist often enough to identify problems 
• Failure to care for their teeth and gums at home 
• Various illnesses 

Types of Preventive Dentistry 

Professional cleanings

Though you can remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, only our dentist can remove tartar (plaque that hardens into a tough substance that attaches itself to your teeth and gums). That is why you must visit the dentist every few months for routine cleaning. 

Oral examinations

The dentist can examine your oral health for any potential issues. Like cleaning, you should be scheduling an oral examination with your dentist every few months, especially if you are at a higher risk of experiencing dental issues. Your dentist can then verify if there is an issue and provide immediate treatment. 

X-rays

During a routine check-up, your dentist can utilize X-rays to examine your jawbones and other underlying oral structures. Again, your dentist can then identify any minor issues before they become problematic to your oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth, for example, can be noticed by your dentist, which would then be extracted before they can crowd your natural teeth and cause issues. Also, if a patient is missing several teeth, the dentist can use X-rays to see if there are any signs of bone loss within the jaw. 

Gum health checks

A regular examination also allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your gums and determine if there are any worrying signs. By simply visiting East Ottawa Dental for these routine appointments, you will be less vulnerable to gum disease.

Oral cancer screenings

Unfortunately, some patients will experience oral or throat cancer at some stage in their lives. You can schedule an oral cancer screening through our practice, which will help you detect any issues early on and then receive the ideal treatment. Some risk factors can increase your vulnerability to oral cancer, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high exposure to sun on your lips, a family history of cancer, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

Brushing your teeth daily

At home, the most vital step of preventive dentistry is brushing your teeth every day with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush your tongue too, as it will assist in removing bacteria from your mouth and freshen your breath. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray and lose their shape. 

Floss daily

You are advised to floss each day as well since it will clean out the tighter spaces between your teeth. For the most effective flossing technique, you can ask your dentist for a brief demonstration during your next appointment. 

Keep a healthy diet

With a balanced diet, you give your teeth the essential nutrients that they require, while also limiting the possibility of cavities and other oral health concerns. Drink lots of water throughout the day, ensure you get plenty of vitamins from your meals, and avoid excessive sugar consumption.

Customized mouth guard

If you regularly play contact sports, a custom mouth guard offers protection to your teeth much more than a store-bought product. Your dentist can provide you with a custom mouth guard that fits over the unique contours of your teeth and gums. This will lessen the impact that you might experience, particularly if it occurs around the face, during a game or practice. 

What does preventive dentistry accomplish

Preventive dentistry will help you avoid or limit the effects of:

• Gingivitis
• Cavities
• Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
• Enamel loss

Some secondary concerns can be linked to poor oral health. You can use preventive dentistry to perhaps avoid any of the following: 

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Respiratory disease

How our dentists can help keep your mouth healthy

Every patient can greatly benefit from preventive dentistry, whether it is children who are allowing their newly developed teeth to form strongly and healthily, or aging adults who want to keep their natural teeth. For more information on how you can maintain good oral health with preventive dentistry habits, contact our team at East Ottawa Dental or visit our office at 1193 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario. Let's chat! Call our office at (613) 690-6294 to schedule your family's appointments.