When most people think of the dentist, they imagine more elaborate procedures such as root canals and laser treatments. Ideally, dentists would only have to perform these operations on rare cases. Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for teeth in order to maintain their overall health. With the right strategy and regimen of care, you shouldn’t have to visit the dentist for anything other than regular cleanings. Here are four crucial strategies for preventive dentistry.

1. Daily Brushing

Humans have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. This daily habit is still the most important part of preventive dentistry. Experts recommend that people brush their teeth twice per day. Daily brushing helps to keep your teeth free of any food crumbs and unwanted bacteria. Without a consistent brushing regimen, harmful plaque could start accumulating around your teeth.

2. Regular Flossing

Although a majority of people have no trouble brushing their teeth twice per day, regular flossing seems to be significantly more challenging. Everyone has experienced the feeling of guilt when asked about their flossing frequency by a dentist. While daily brushing can get rid of the larger chunks of debris in your mouth, flossing is required to get out the smaller pieces. While flossing is most effective when performed as frequently as brushing, flossing your teeth once per day is enough for preventive dentistry in Mesa AZ.

3. Dental Checkups

Dental checkups are another important part of preventive dentistry. Although the goal of this strategy is to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, visits to the dentist are still required. First and foremost, a dentist can help provide a thorough cleaning that isn’t achievable by individuals. Secondly, these professionals can help determine the overall health of your teeth. A dentist will be able to recommend any changes that are needed to keep your teeth healthy.

4. Healthy Diet

When people think of preventive dentistry, they automatically think of ways to keep their teeth clean and shiny. While this is an important part of the process, dental health is much broader. Diet has a tremendous impact on the overall health of your mouth and teeth. Eating fruits, vegetables, and other clean foods is another critical component to preventive dentistry. Sugary foods and acidic drinks will only damage your teeth over time. Even the best dental hygiene can’t make up for a poor diet.

Preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy. You don’t have to rely solely on the dentist to maintain your dental health. These four tips can help get you started in the right direction.