Our dentist in Greystones is all about preventive dentistry
Here at Lucey Dental, our patients are encouraged to adopt a preventive approach to oral, and we provide a range of solutions for any difficulties with their teeth and gums. Our dentist in Greystones wants all our patients to enjoy the best possible oral health and offers help and advice to achieve that. This article is a guide for getting started in ensuring that your teeth and gums are in great condition for the long term.
Regular checkups
Making regular appointments with our dentist in Greystones is essential for keeping your teeth and gums in good condition. We can identify potential issues before the patient has noticed them and take action to stop these problems from worsening. For example, a thorough examination allows us to spot the first signs of a cavity or even gum disease.
We also perform checks for any signs of oral cancer; this is vital for protecting the health of the patient in general. When found in the earliest stages, oral cancer is usually easily treatable and can often be stopped in its tracks before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the body.
Dental checkups can also provide a good opportunity for you to get your teeth professionally cleaned. No matter how thorough you are at home, there will always be residual plaque that remains around and between your teeth. A scale-and-polish can remove residual plaque and prevent bad breath as well as the deterioration of the teeth and gums.
Keep clean at home
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. Our dentist in Greystones recommends using a medium toothbrush since one that is too soft may be ineffective, and one that is especially hard may remove some of the protective layers of the teeth. Many people find that electric toothbrushes get better results when it comes to removing food and giving a thoroughly clean feeling; however, this is a personal choice.
Flossing should be done once a day. Anyone who is in doubt about how to floss correctly should talk to us about learning the proper technique or using interdental brushes, which can be easier for some patients.
Stop smoking
Smoking is not good for health in general, but it is especially bad for oral health. Smoking makes the gums more vulnerable to infection and disease and can cause the teeth to become terribly stained. Fortunately, there is plenty of help available for anyone who wants to stop smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy can be very effective in curbing the urge to smoke, and it can be gradually reduced over time as the patient gets used to being smoke-free.
Drink water
Most tap water contains fluoride, which makes it a great choice for keeping teeth and gums healthy. Fluoride preserves the enamel of the teeth, which is the outer layer that protects the teeth from damage and deterioration. Making water the drink of choice throughout the day can help to improve oral wellbeing.