Preventive Dental Hygiene
We all have teeth - and we all want to keep them for life! The purpose of Preventive Oral Hygiene is to help each of us keep our teeth and gums healthy today and every day.
The two primary causes of tooth loss: decay and gum disease, are caused by bacteria in the mouth. Both of these problems can be dramatically minimized, if not prevented, through proper dental hygiene. Some of the elements of proper dental hygiene include brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a balanced diet, limiting between-meal snacks, and getting a dental hygiene cleaning at least twice a year.
Additional preventive methods include the application of dental sealants and exposure to fluoride in the form of fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, or fluoride treatments directly applied by Mary Skrijelj, RDH –a dental hygienist.
The vast majority of dental disease can be prevented, but only through the consistent practice of the prevention methods discussed. Please browse this topic area to learn more about proper brushing and flossing, gum disease, tooth decay, dental sealants, and the relationship between smoking and dental disease.