Preventative dental care is a significant element of dental hygiene treatment. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, result from acid demineralization of the enamel and dentin of the teeth. This disease occurs mainly due to the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates by bacteria residing in the oral cavity. Treatment for this condition has been widely researched and is usually managed through dental sealants, fluoride treatment, and good dietary practices such as limiting sweetened beverages. 

However, dentists Edgecliff believe that this disease can be managed with preventative dental care such as regular teeth cleanings and professional dental examinations at least twice a year to identify early stages of gum disease or cavities before they become advanced. 

Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Teeth cleanings involve the removal of tartar build-up, plaque, stains, and debris that accumulate on the teeth to reduce the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, regularly scheduled professional cleanings are essential for preventing dental disease and maintaining optimum oral hygiene. 

People who brush their teeth a minimum of two times a day reduce the risk of developing gingivitis. When plaque, which is bacteria that colonize on teeth when left untreated, becomes hardened into tartar or calculus, it acts as an abrasive against the tooth enamel. This causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated. The condition, known as gingivitis or gum disease, can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In addition to brushing teeth at least three times a day, people should floss once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles that accumulate under the gum line and between teeth. People with braces should be incredibly diligent about using a flossing device to ensure that they work around the wires and brackets on their teeth. 

Fluoride treatments can restore lost enamel, strengthen teeth against acids produced by bacteria, and prevent demineralization of the tooth surface from acid erosion. An essential aspect of the treatment requires the application of topical fluoride agents to teeth with pits and fissures. These are surfaces on teeth where enamel has receded due to tooth decay or erosion. Areas most at risk for this condition include molars, bicuspids, and incisors located in the back of the mouth. Therefore, people who consume high in acids, such as citrus juices, soft drinks, and vinegar, should limit their intake to reduce the risk for erosion. 

Controlling sugar intake is an essential aspect of good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental disease. Bacteria naturally present in a person’s mouth feed on foods containing many simple sugars, producing acid by-products. As long as teeth are exposed to the acid, they continue to demineralize and may eventually decay. In addition to increasing a person’s risk for tooth decay, sugar intake can lead to obesity and related health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.  

Many foods contain sugars, including candy, cookies, cakes, soft drinks, milk products, and pastries. Health experts recommend limiting their sugar intake to no more than 10% of their daily calories to reduce the risk for tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems associated with poor dietary practices. 

Some people are at increased risk for developing dental caries or gum disease because they experience dry mouth as a side effect of certain medications. Diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, and antianxiety medications can all contribute to hyposalivation or reduced saliva flow. Although this condition causes the mouth to become dry, it does not eliminate a person’s need for oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing teeth daily. Dentists can prescribe artificial saliva or a mouth rinse that will help alleviate symptoms associated with dry mouth. 

A person should visit a dentist to assess if he has any of the following symptoms: Excessive tartar build-up, bleeding gums, loose teeth, severe toothache, or swelling in the face.