Stop dental diseases and oral health problems in their tracks

When an individual begins to see the signs of a cold, he or she will get out the medications, cough drops, orange juice- anything to put a stop to it before it gets worse. While not all cold remedies seem to work, preventing dental diseases with proper dental hygiene and regular dental checkups is a proven method. Below are steps and ways to prevent infection and oral health issues.

Proper dental hygiene

Adults are quick to assume that they are exempt from conditions such as tooth decay and that only children can get it. Unfortunately, people of all ages are at risk for tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, find that 17.5 percent of children ages 5 to 19 had untreated dental caries (tooth decay) from 2011 to 2012. The CDC also finds that 27 percent of adults from ages 20 to 44 had untreated dental caries in the same year.

By practicing proper dental hygiene at home, patients can keep their teeth healthy and prevent extensive dental work. Until one can visit a preventative dentist for a professional cleaning, the next best prevention method is proper dental hygiene.

Flossing and mouthwash helps

Although there has been recent controversy over flossing, it works and will help to clean out the food stuck between the teeth. If food is left between the teeth, where the bristles of a toothbrush may not reach, then the plaque can grow and lead to infection. Fortunately, people have other options besides thread dental floss. Mouthhealthy.org lists these options to include:

• Dental pick
• Pre-threaded flosser
• Tiny brushes that reach between the teeth
• Water flosser

The important factor is to combine flossing once a day and using mouthwash with the regular dental routine to help prevent infection. While these methods will not completely treat an issue, together, these methods can keep one's teeth healthy.

Regularly-scheduled dental cleanings

It is easy to push off a regular dental checkup due to a busy schedule, work, school, extracurricular activities and much more. The CDC states that in 2014, around 83 percent of children 2 to 17 years of age made a visit to the dentist. However, in the same statistic, the CDC finds that only 62 percent of adults 18 to 64 years of age made dental visits in the same year.

A dental cleaning will allow the dentist to get in areas of the mouth that the patient cannot normally reach. A preventative dentist will also be able to spot the early stages of tooth decay or infection. By seeing the dentist at least twice a year, patients will be able to know how to stay healthy. If the patient feels a pain in the teeth or other oral health issues, scheduling a dental checkup will help to identify and treat the problem.

Start dental care at a young age

For parents with children, it is imperative to start proper dental hygiene at a young age. By taking care of one's baby teeth, a child can help the adult teeth to grow in properly. In other cases, if an infection is left untreated, there is a greater chance of needing fillings or sealants at a younger age. Instilling proper dental hygiene and positive views of dental cleanings at a young age will help children grow into these healthy habits.

If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to a preventative dentist, do not hesitate to call today and schedule an appointment.

Titan Dental Care

At Titan Dental Care in Sterling, VA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Titan Dental Care, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.