Bayshore NY Dentist Explains the Value of Preventative Dentistry
Your Bayshore NY dentist believes that even if you’re not a dentist, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the areas of dentistry. So, what better place to start expanding your dental knowledge than preventative dentistry? Preventative dentistry is the most common area of dentistry that patients visit us for. It’s simply the practice of caring for one’s teeth in order to keep them healthy and strong. Bayshore NY dentists, Dr. Eugene Antenucci and Dr. Israel Breener love informing their patients about preventative dentistry because it helps patients to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear and other oral health issues.
How can I Participate in Preventative Dentistry?
The majority of our patients see their Bayshore NY dentist for bi-annual dental cleanings. These dental cleanings are the key to preventative dentistry. In between visits, patients are responsible for keeping up with their preventative care by implementing proper daily brushing and flossing to help maintain bacteria-free and plaque-free teeth and gums.
Dr. Eugene Antenucci and Dr. Israel Breener will also talk to patients about fluoride treatments and sealants in order to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Sealants are thin composite coatings that may be placed on the back permanent teeth to protect them from tooth decay. While sealants are only available during in-office visits, patients can continue their preventative care at home with fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses. Fluoride is so important to society’s oral health that public water fluoridation is ranked as one of the 20th century’s greatest public health achievements.
Other preventive measures include X-rays and oral cancer screenings, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and drinking. X-rays and oral cancer screenings allow your Bayshore NY dentist to look for signs of dental problems that may not be visible to the naked eye during dental cleanings. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol will improve your chances of maintaining proper preventative care since they are a contributing factor to gum disease, tooth loss, plaque buildup, tooth discoloration and even oral cancer. In addition to avoiding tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption, it’s important to your oral health to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates feed the bacteria responsible for plaque buildup in your mouth! Keep up a calcium-rich diet in order to avoid the risks associated with developing periodontal disease (gum disease) and other oral health issues.
Preventative dentistry will help to keep your mouth smiling and your body in good health. So feel free to ask your Bayshore NY dentist any questions during your next appointment and be proactive about these preventive measures!
