Preventive care is a simple way to protect your teeth and gums. In addition to brushing and flossing, regular visits to the general dentistry office of Marquette, MI, dentist, Dr. Brett Goymerac of Washington Dental will help keep your smile healthy.
What is preventive care?
Preventive care is anything you do to reduce the risk of a problem with your teeth or gums. It includes:
Home care
Brushing and flossing your teeth gets rids of plaque on and between teeth. The sticky, clear substance contains bacteria. As soon as you take a bite of a pretzel or cookie, a chemical reaction occurs between the bacteria, sugars, and carbohydrates in foods. The reaction creates acids that attack tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Brushing and flossing every day removes plaque and reduces your risk of cavities. For best results, be sure to brush for at least two minutes every time you pick up your toothbrush.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily also prevents plaque from turning into tartar. Tartar is a hard deposit that can only be removed with special dental instruments. Both plaque and tartar can increase your risk of gum disease.
Cleanings
Cleanings at the general dentistry office can rid of tartar and plaque that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach places. After your teeth are cleaned and polished, you'll notice that they look and feel sparkling clean. Dental cleanings, like checkups, are recommended every six months. If plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth quickly, you may need more frequent cleanings.
Dental Checkups
It's easy to miss early signs of oral health problems. Luckily, your dentist can spot signs of small cavities, gum disease, crumbling teeth, cracks, and other dental issues. If a dental problem is discovered during your visit to the Marquette dental office, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan. Regular visits to the dentist ensure that minor problems don't become major issues. Checkups also include oral cancer screenings.
Do you need to see the dentist? For general dentistry services and treatments, call your dentist in Marquette, MI, Dr. Brett Goymerac of Washington Dental, at (906) 228-4646 to schedule your appointment.