Preventive Dentistry Is Our Philosophy.
Maintaining a healthy mouth is the goal of a dentist and patient while working together. Its seems the cycle of a mouth is filled with fillings, broken and loose teeth followed by extractions, when in reality this can be avoided. At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic we look to increase your chances of having a full mouth of healthy teeth for a lifetime and avoiding more dental treatments.
Preventive Dentistry is simple but requires you to do your part. There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing and dental cleanings. To maintain optimal oral health, it is recommended visits to the dentist are at regular intervals determined by your dentist. These practices are designed to ensure that teeth are clean, strong, and white. Children should be taught proper oral hygiene at an early age.
Preventive Dentistry at Home
There are several ways to use preventive dental care techniques at home, and many of them may already be part of your daily routine.
First, make sure to always brush your teeth twice a day (once in the morning and once before bed) and floss at least once a day (preferably before bed). When choosing your toothbrush and toothpaste, pick ones that are approved by the Canadian or American Dental Association. It’s important to select oral health products that are approved by the CDA or ADA because these have undergone rigorous testing to prove that they are both safe and effective for use.
Second, use mouthwash to clean the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush doesn’t get. If you have a specific condition or dental health need, such as dry mouth or tooth sensitivity, you should use a specialized mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
Third, try to avoid eating lots of sugary or acidic foods or drinks. The sugars from these easily build up on your teeth and can cause cavities and other issues. Fourth, ensure that your teeth are getting an adequate amount of fluoride. Most public water supplies today are already fluoridated, but if you are on well water or live in an extremely rural area, you and your family may need to supplement with fluoride rinses to keep your teeth strong.
Preventive Dentistry at the Dentist Office 
Preventive dental care isn’t limited only to how you care for your teeth at home; there are certain things that only your dentist can do to help you maintain a healthy mouth. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular cleaning appointments. Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months, but if you have special circumstances, he or she may need to see you more or less often. At this appointment, your dentist will likely conduct a series of preventive dental care techniques, such as:
Cleaning your teeth to get rid of any plaque and tartar build-up.
Checking your teeth and gums for any sign of decay or gum disease.
Checking your tongue and other areas of your mouth for any issues.
Screening you for oral cancer and other health conditions.
Conducting any specialized treatment needed, such as a fluoride treatment.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of Dr. Charchuk and his staff to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
