What is Involved in Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is your best line of defense against the harmful effects of tooth decay and gum disease. A good preventive dentistry regimen is brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, along with visiting the dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

When it comes to practicing preventive dentistry at home, brushing and flossing is the most important thing you can do. It is recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste when you brush. Also be sure to use the proper technique. Hold your brush at a forty-five degree angle to the gumline and use gentle circular motions to clean the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. It should take about two minutes to properly brush your teeth. For flossing, make sure you avoid using sawing motions to clean in between your teeth. It is much better to floss using up-and-down motions.

No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, it is unfortunately impossible to remove all of the plaque from your mouth on your own. That is why it is so important to visit the dentist biannually for a professional exam and cleaning. During the exam, the dentist will check the health of your teeth and gums. He or she will also screen you for oral cancer. X-rays may also be used to help identify dental issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye alone. The earlier our preventive dentist in Agoura Hills identifies an issue, the easier it is to treat it before it becomes a more serious problem. During the cleaning, the dentist will remove all the plaque and tartar you were unable to reach.