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Preventative dental care from our expert dentist in Willimantic is a great way to prevent dental issues down the road. Keeping vigilant about possible problems with your teeth can be helpful for patients of all ages. With frequent dental checkups and at-home preventative methods, you can maintain a healthy mouth and avoid costly procedures. 

Regular Checkups

In order to keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful, you should have regular checkups with your dentist. Early detection of problems can help you avoid more serious problems later on. For instance, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States, and it is difficult to reverse once it has started. In fact, it can cause significant pain and even lead to decreased appetite, bad breath, and other cardiovascular diseases. 

Regular checkups for preventative dental care include a professional cleaning and a complete oral exam. During these checkups, your dentist will look for problems and offer treatment options if needed. The dentist can also perform digital X-rays, which can identify any hidden issues. 

Flossing

Flossing can help prevent cavities and gum disease by getting rid of food molecules left over after brushing. Flossing daily helps remove this bacteria and prevents it from forming into plaque, a yellow film that stains your teeth and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Flossing also keeps your teeth clean and prevents tartar from forming along the gumline.

Many people do not floss daily, but our dentist in Willimantic wants to change that. Even if they brush their teeth twice a day, there is no way to reach all of the spaces between their teeth. The result is that bacteria and food debris build up in these hard-to-reach places, leading to decay and cavities. Flossing prevents this from happening by removing food debris from the mouth and preventing it from reaching the bloodstream.

Brushing

The practice of brushing and flossing for preventative dental care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining oral health. It can help you avoid several major problems with your teeth and gums, such as gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. It can also help you keep your dental care costs to a minimum. It’s best to start these habits as early as possible.

Foods to avoid for preventative dental care

According to the American Dental Association, avoiding certain foods can promote a healthy smile and oral health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cavities, while foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are beneficial for the teeth and bones. Consuming dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese can help strengthen your teeth and deter other dental issues. However, it is important to avoid foods loaded with sugar, as this increases the risk of cavities. 

Another thing to remember is to avoid foods high in acidity. Although some types of acidic foods are beneficial for the body, they are harmful to the teeth. Acidic foods can lead to tooth decay and tooth discoloration. Soda, lemons, oranges, coffee, alcohol, and pickles are some acidic foods that should be avoided. Carbohydrates are also harmful to the teeth. They tend to break down into sugar once they reach the mouth, which can lead to cavities.

When it comes to preventative dental care, our dentist in Willimantic offers some of the best advice and services in the area. For more information on procedures we can provide, visit the rest of our website, or call us today to schedule an appointment at 860-423-5518.