Apart from affecting our general ability to smile confidently, speak, and eat, dental health affects systemic health. Therefore, it is essential to maintain it at the maximum level for overall quality of life and well-being. Failing to practice proper dental care could trigger problems like gum disease and dental caries, and even contribute to health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of dental care, examining its fundamental concepts.
What Is Dental Care?
Dental care includes the essential habits, practices, services, and treatments designed to improve and maintain oral health, including the teeth, tongue, gums, and the entire oral cavity. It forms the basis for addressing and preventing common dental issues, such as dental caries, gum disease, and tooth infections.
Those with regular dental check-ups might view it as practicing proper dental care, but others consider it dental care only when they have a dental emergency. Then, others merely seek dental care for professional advice or quick fixes. That said, dental care is viewed in various ways contingent on the particular case, but its primary purpose is to improve oral health for everyone.
Generally, dental care includes the following:
- Restorative care
- Preventive care
- Cosmetic procedures
Restorative Dental Care
When dental problems arise, restorative care aims to correct and restore the appearance and function of teeth. Restorative care services include the following:
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a weakened or damaged tooth to restore its appearance, strength, and size. Crowns restore worn-down or broken teeth, safeguard weak teeth, support and cover teeth with large fillings, hold tooth bridges in position, and cover tooth implants. Crowns are available in different materials, including all-resin, all-ceramic, and metal alloys.
To fit a dental crown, the dentist reshapes the tooth to accommodate the dental restoration. They then make an impression and send it to a lab, where the lab technicians fabricate the crown. The dentist may first place a temporary dental crown while awaiting the permanent restoration. When the permanent dental crown is ready, the dentist will cement it into the already prepared tooth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a human-made tooth root that provides a permanent, stable anchor for removable or fixed replacement teeth. Implants are an effective and popular long-lasting solution for individuals with missing teeth resulting from injury, periodontal disease, and other factors. They are generally made of titanium and are surgically inserted into the bone.
Implants have several benefits compared to other dental prosthetics. These include improved speech, comfort, appearance, and dental health. Additionally, they are long-lasting; they can often last a lifetime if you take proper care of them. Unlike dentures, dental implants do not necessitate the use of adhesives and do not come with the discomfort of detachable prosthetics.
Dental fillings
Tooth fillings correct dental cavities, restoring the normal shape and function of teeth. Common filling materials include composite resins, porcelain (ceramic), and amalgam. Dental fillings stop further tooth decay and restore the tooth’s integrity. The filling procedure involves the dentist removing the decayed tooth part, cleaning the space that remains, and then filling it using the selected filling material.
Tooth Extraction
The tooth extraction procedure entails detaching a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. A tooth extraction may be necessary because of severe decay, crowding, infection, or irreversible damage. Impacted wisdom teeth also need extraction to avert future dental problems.
After a tooth extraction, it is crucial to follow all the instructions provided by your dental professional. The dentist may instruct you to bite gently on gauze or a piece of cloth to prevent bleeding, apply ice to minimize swelling, and take prescribed medication. They may also recommend that you avoid specific activities and foods to enhance healing.
Root canal therapy
The root canal procedure treats inflamed or infected pulp to relieve pain and salvage the tooth. Dentists perform root canals when the tooth pulp becomes infected because of cracks in a tooth, repeated dental procedures, or deep decay. If left unaddressed, the infection could lead to dental abscesses and more complications.
During the root canal procedure, the dentist extracts the infected tooth pulp. Then, they clean and disinfect the root canals, fill them using a biocompatible material, and then seal the tooth. Often, dentists place a dental crown afterward to restore the tooth’s function and strength.
Cosmetic Procedures
Dental health care also involves providing cosmetic services designed to enhance a person’s smile appearance. Key cosmetic dental procedures are teeth whitening, orthodontics, and veneers, each addressing specific dental issues and offering distinctive benefits.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers refer to thin composite resin or porcelain shells. Dentists bond these to the teeth’s front surfaces to enhance their appearance. Veneers are customized to resemble the shape and color of the original teeth. They are ideal for addressing problems such as chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth, as well as closing small gaps between teeth. These restorations are stain-resistant and provide a natural appearance.
The placement procedure for dental veneers generally involves the dentist scraping a small amount of enamel from the surface of a tooth. The dentist then takes an impression of the tooth and brings it to the lab for veneer fabrication. Once the model is ready, the dentist bonds it to the tooth. The process often necessitates multiple dental visits.
Teeth Whitening
The dental whitening procedure is popular among dental patients. It aims to lighten teeth’s color by eliminating stains. Teeth whitening is categorized into two types: in-office and at-home whitening.
A dentist or dental hygienist performs in-office whitening. The procedure involves using highly concentrated bleaching agents, often activated by heat or light, to achieve a rapid and noticeable outcome. Generally, the procedure takes approximately 60 minutes, and the effect can last a year or more with appropriate care.
Teeth whitening at home involves the use of over-the-counter products, such as whitening gels, strips, and customized trays that dentists provide. While at-home whitening is more cost-effective and convenient, achieving the desired results might take longer and is typically less potent compared to in-office whitening.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic services enhance aesthetics and function by correcting bite issues and misaligned teeth. Prevalent treatment options include traditional metal braces and clear aligners.
Braces are made of wires and brackets that slowly shift teeth into their original desired position. A dentist can recommend them for intricate alignment issues. However, they are more conspicuous, and you might need to adjust your diet.
Clear aligners are transparent, detachable trays that a dentist fits over teeth. The dentist replaces them at intervals to gradually straighten the teeth. These dental restorations are less noticeable and facilitate easier maintenance of oral hygiene, making them a preferred choice by many adults.
Orthodontic services enhance a smile’s appearance and help achieve optimal dental health by making it easier to clean teeth and lowering the likelihood of dental problems.
Preventive Care
Preventive care is primarily about maintaining optimal dental health and averting the onset of dental issues. Key components of preventive care include practicing proper dental hygiene, scheduling regular dental appointments, and making wise lifestyle choices.
Routine Dental Hygiene Practices
Maintaining good at-home oral hygiene practices is essential to preventive care. These practices include the following:
- Brushing. Dental professionals recommend brushing at least twice a day (morning and before bedtime) with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps protect the enamel and prevents cavities. The brushing technique involves doing it in gentle, circular motions (angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees to your gums, and you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush). This technique enables you to clean along the gum line and all tooth surfaces. Brush for at least two minutes.
- Mouthwash. Using a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash or mouth rinse can help freshen breath, reduce oral bacteria, strengthen enamel, provide more defense against plaque accumulation, and lower the possibility of periodontal disease and dental cavities. Use mouthwash or mouth rinse at a different time of day than brushing, so you don’t wash off the beneficial fluoride from the toothpaste.
- Flossing. Floss at least once daily (preferably before going to bed) to remove plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line and between teeth. These are places that a toothbrush cannot reach. To floss, gently slide the dental floss in between your teeth, then curve it around each tooth.
- Sealants. Dental sealants refer to a plastic coating applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. They are applied to prevent cavities and tooth decay between teeth. Sealants are primarily applied to children’s teeth as soon as they appear, though they could also be used in adults. When appropriately applied, sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay.
- Fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatments entail applying a fluoride solution to teeth. Generally, this process takes place at the dental professional’s office and is usually combined with sealants. A fluoride treatment helps prevent dental caries. It can also help prevent dental diseases and strengthen the enamel.
- Oral hygiene education. Here, the dentist provides guidance on the correct flossing and brushing techniques. They also advise on the proper diet to promote the health of gums and teeth.
Regular Professional Cleanings and Check-Ups
Routine visits to the dentist are essential, as they enable early identification and addressing of possible dental health issues. Problems that can be detected in their early stages during routine visits include gum disease, cavities, and mouth cancer. Early detection facilities provide effective and prompt treatment.
Professional dental cleaning, on the other hand, prevents tartar and plaque buildup. Even with meticulous at-home oral care, tartar and plaque can still accumulate in difficult-to-reach places. Professional cleaning removes these deposits, averting tooth decay and gum disease.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling a dental visit at least twice a year for a comprehensive exam and professional dental cleaning.
Lifestyle and Diet
Lifestyle choices and nutrition have a significant impact on oral health. Balancing your diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins supports healthy gums and teeth. Limiting acidic and sugary beverages and foods can minimize the possibility of dental caries. Examples of food that can help are:
- Foods rich in calcium, like yogurt, milk, and cheese. These strengthen teeth.
- Water. It keeps your oral cavity hydrated and helps wash down food particles. Water also promotes saliva production. The presence of saliva in the mouth helps protect teeth from problems such as infections or cavities. Try to drink 8-ounces of water per day for optimal dental and general health. Drinking iced or hot herbal teas could be similarly beneficial for dental health, though not as effective as drinking water.
- Crunchy vegetables and fruits like celery, carrots, and apples. This helps clean your teeth naturally.
Examples of foods to avoid are
- Sugary drinks and snacks. These foods promote the growth of bacteria that cause dental cavities.
- Carbonated beverages. These drinks erode the tooth enamel and raise acidity levels in the oral cavity.
- Sticky candies. These cling to teeth, making it more challenging to clean them off. When they stick to teeth for a long time, it can lead to plaque accumulation.
Also, limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth. Limiting the amount of alcohol you consume can help safeguard oral health. Tobacco use is the number one cause of tooth loss, oral cancers, and gum disease. Quitting smoking enhances dental health and lowers the possibility of developing these conditions.
Integrating a healthy diet and lifestyle habits into your daily routine will enable you to maintain a healthy smile, reduce the risk of developing severe dental problems, and contribute to your overall well-being.
Find an Experienced General Dentist Near Me
Dental care is extremely essential not only for oral health but also for your general health. How you practice dental care can impact your overall quality of life and long-term health. Neglecting proper dental care can lead to tooth decay and dental disease, which can cause severe pain and prompt extensive and expensive dental treatments. Routine flossing, brushing, and dental checkups can help avert many of these dental issues and conditions.
Would you like to learn more about the basics of dental care? We are at The Lakewood Dentist. Call us at 562-423-1441 for a consultation. One of our experienced general dentists will provide you with tailored advice that will be helpful and enable you to take every step towards a lifetime of healthy, strong teeth and gums.