The mouth is a haven for food debris and the bacteria that thrive on them; hence, preventive care is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. There are simply no shortcuts or a permanent solution to keeping your mouth clean all the time. It’s a constant process that involves proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Taking care of your teeth and gums should be a constant part of your regimen at the early age of 2 up to adulthood.

Here are 5 easy ways to achieve optimum oral health for life.

Practice proper brushing and flossing.

With a circular motion, brush all areas of the teeth, keeping close attention to the teeth with grooves. Take time to brush your teeth after every meal, so that food debris doesn’t stay in the mouth and cause decay. Flossing before bedtime is also recommended so the food particles that stay in between the teeth are removed.

Take professional teeth cleanings.

Proper brushing and flossing are essential but may not remove food and bacteria that cling to certain parts of the teeth. Professional teeth cleanings can get rid of sticky and hardened plaque that doesn’t only lead to tooth decay, but also gum disease. Professional teeth cleanings, at least twice a year, prevent plaque buildup and the accumulation of bacteria that may cause eventual dental and gum problems.

Get regular oral cancer screenings.

Oral cancer screening helps diagnose oral cancer at its early stage. When detected early, it may be easier for the doctor to treat this disease than when found at a later stage. Cancer may have already spread once the symptoms start appearing; thus, oral cancer screening is an essential preventive treatment.

Keep up with regularly scheduled oral exams.

Comprehensive oral exam is also a great way for the dentist to check your entire oral cavity. The dentist uses advanced equipment to check your dental bone structure, spot the onset of decay, and many other dental problems.

Consider dental sealants and opt for fluoride when available.

Sealants and fluoride treatments are great for the strength and protection of your teeth. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the molars, making them smooth and easy to brush. Fluoride treatments, on the other hand, serve to strengthen the teeth. Fluoride can be found in tap water, and some toothpastes, but not everyone drinks fluoridated-water or uses toothpastes with fluoride content. Fluoride treatments ensure that your teeth get their right dose of fluoride.

Prevention is Key to Optimum Oral Health

Just like bathing and changing clothes on a regular basis, keeping the teeth clean should also be part of your daily, monthly, and yearly regimen. Brushing and flossing are activities that you need to do after meals. Preventive dental services, on the other hand, are treatments that you must take at least twice a year, depending on your doctor’s advice. Make visiting the dentist part of your routine, so that your teeth and gums are able to serve you well for life. With preventive care, you’ll realize that there will be no necessity for costly and complex dental treatments.

—–