Dental Health and Preventive Medicine

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An editorial by My G, Tran D.D.S. and Kate T. Nguyen D.D.S., M.S. of the Cheyenne Dental Group, a prominent Las Vegas dentist office.

A bright and healthy smile is desirable at any age and starts with proper daily oral health care. Brushing and flossing may seem effective and simple, but for some, even this may be an odious task. The result: unyielding pain. A trip to the dentist becomes a horrific event with the needles, masks, gloves and high-pitch song of the drill. Due to the post-traumatic stress from the last visit to the dentist, 6-month check-ups are again delayed until symptoms of the next cavity occurs. This becomes a vicious cycle of neglect, pain, and fear, and all in the name of teeth.

In actuality, taking care of your gums and teeth is simple. With proper preventative techniques of brushing and flossing completed on a regular basis, your next trip to the dentist should feel like a rewarding one. After all, prevention is the key. Here are a few strategies on maintaining your healthy smile:

1. Be active in your oral health care. Keeping up with your regularly scheduled appointments can help prevent diseases of your teeth and gums from developing towards irreversible damage. Dental Insurance may seem like a luxury, but for those who do have it, only few actually use. Minimal coverage for check-ups is often every 6 months, but for a select group of patients, such as those in active orthodontic treatment or with a history of periodontal disease, the recommendation can be as often as every 3 months. By understanding your oral health condition, you can decrease the risks of developing dental problems and pain as well as the costs of major procedures. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out what it the best frequency for dental visits for you.
   
   
2. Build a lasting relationship with your healthcare provider. Like every relationship, this requires trust and communication. Ask questions about your oral health, hygiene techniques, as well as safe and effective products. Each individual is different, so understand the condition of your teeth and gums. Knowledge is power and the key to preventing dental decay and periodontal diseases.
   
   
3. Take charge of your toothbrush and floss. Shakespeare could never write as well without learning how to read. Hence, good oral hygiene takes learning and practicing. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes and floss everyday. Limit snacking between meals. Make sure children under the 12 years of age drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area. Again, ask your healthcare provider for further details and dosage recommendations.

Keeping your beautiful healthy smile shouldn’t be like pulling teeth. Building a daily routine and following your dentist’s recommendation will last your teeth for a lifetime.