Preventive maintenance (PM) can help extend the longevity of many things we own, 
from automobiles to electronic devices. But preventive maintenance is also useful for more than tangibles like cars or computers—your teeth and gums, for instance. Performing oral PM can help keep your mouth healthy and help you avoid costly treatments in the future.
In recognition of National Dental Care Month this May, here are 5 preventive maintenance tips to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Daily oral hygiene. Dental plaque is a thin, bacterial film on tooth surfaces that’s most responsible for dental disease. Accumulations of plaque and its hardened form, tartar, can trigger tooth decay or gum disease, both of which have the potential to rob you of your teeth. Daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque buildup is a great PM investment in your oral health.
Plaque disclosure. If you do brush and floss every day, how effective are you? One way to find out is to use a plaque disclosing agent, a product containing a special dye that only activates whenit comes in contact with bacterial plaque. After applying it, you can see any plaque you’ve missed highlighted with a bright color, providing you valuable feedback toward improving your hygiene practice.
Dental cleanings. Even if you’re a ninja at brushing and flossing, there’s always a chance of missing some plaque. It can then calcify into the aforementioned tartar, which is impossible to remove with only brushing and flossing. Semi-annual cleanings by your dentist removes residual plaque and tartar, helping to boost your already low risk for tooth decay or gum disease.
Prompt treatment. When you hear a “knock” or some other odd occurrence with your car, it’s wise to have it checked ASAP to avoid more extensive damage. The same goes for your mouth. Symptoms like dark spots on teeth, slow-healing mouth sores, or swollen, reddened and bleeding gums should prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist. The sooner you do, the quicker we can treat the problem at the least amount of expense.
Sports protection. Disease isn’t the only threat to your mouth—a hard blow to the face or jaws can cause severe injuries that could reverberate for years to come. You can prevent injuries by wearing appropriate safety equipment during contact sports or similar activities, including helmets fitted with face shields or athletic mouthguards.
Most dental problems don’t happen overnight—they’re often the result of a lack of attention to your teeth and gum health. But adopting a PM mindset for your mouth could help you avoid serious issues—and expenses—down the road.
If you would like more information about best ways to take care of your oral health, please contact us or schedulea consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “10 Tips for Daily Oral Care at Home.”