Prevention of dental and oral cavity diseases represents the most important step in educating our patients. To avoid problems in the mouth, it is important to teach every patient how to properly take care of their oral health and hygiene.
What Does Prevention in Dentistry Include?
Prevention in dentistry deals with avoiding the occurrence of dental and gum diseases. Since bacteria are the main cause of these conditions, oral hygiene is the most important step in combating them.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Dental and Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day (morning and evening);
- Clean all tooth surfaces and your tongue during brushing;
- Maintain spaces between teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes;
- Any toothpaste is good – more important than the brand is avoiding hard toothbrushes that damage enamel;
- Mouthwashes are an additional aid – they do not replace tooth brushing;
- Visit your dentist once or twice a year for regular checkups. If cavities occur, they will be detected early and treated quickly;
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned from tartar and plaque once or twice a year;
- Take an X-ray every two years to monitor jawbone condition;
- If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, rinse your mouth with water or eat an apple;
- Eat healthy and avoid frequent snacking between meals;
- Avoid alcohol and smoking;
- Do not chew gum throughout the whole day.
Prevention in Children – Developing Healthy Habits Early
For children, it is crucial to instill healthy habits from the very beginning and teach them what dental hygiene means. In addition to brushing their teeth twice a day, it is important to get them used to regular dental checkups from early childhood. It is never too early for a child to visit a dentist, as this helps prevent fear. Do not allow the first dental visit to happen only when a problem already exists.
Nutrition in Children and Cavity Prevention
Parents often struggle with children’s sugar consumption. For oral health, it is best if the daily sugar intake is consumed at once, followed by tooth brushing. Snacking multiple times a day leaves sugar constantly in the mouth, which leads to cavities. Avoid giving babies and young children bottles with sweet drinks before bedtime, as sugar will remain on the teeth overnight, causing cavities in baby teeth.
Protecting Permanent Teeth – Fissure Sealing
When permanent teeth start erupting in children, it is recommended to perform fissure sealing. This procedure involves placing a protective layer of material into the fissures of molars. Since fissures are natural grooves where cavities often begin, sealing them prevents decay.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
As the saying goes – prevention is better than cure. By following these general oral hygiene guidelines, you can avoid cavities, gum inflammation, and periodontitis.
