Preventing Dental Problems

Professional dental care gives patients access to a comprehensive range of services, including restorative treatments to repair dental damage and cosmetic treatments to address cosmetic flaws. While all of these services are beneficial, the number one goal of professional dental care is helping patients preserve the health and strength of their smile by preventing dental problems. 

At Dr. Rohinton J. Patel’s family dentistry practice, we help patients of all ages maintain a strong, healthy smile, primarily through routine dental exams and cleanings. To maximize the effects of professional dental care, patients need to do their part by practicing good oral hygiene habits. 

Here, we provide tips for preventing dental problems so that our Hawaii Kai and East Honolulu, HI patients can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

At-home Oral Hygiene

Most people only see a dentist about twice a year, so it is vital that they maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing are the best way to minimize the number of bacteria in the mouth, prevent plaque build-up, and avoid serious dental complications that threaten the structure of the teeth. Following are some important tips for ensuring patients get the most out of their oral hygiene routine:

• Brush at least twice a day, and after each meal if possible
• Rinse the mouth with water after a meal, if unable to brush
• Floss the teeth each night
• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid excessive force to prevent damage to tooth enamel
• Make sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, as well as the base of the gums and the tongue

Make Professional Dental Care a Regular Habit

Even with regular brushing and flossing, it is likely that some amount of plaque or tartar will build up on the teeth and gums. These hard substances cannot be cleaned away with a toothbrush, so a professional dental cleaning is the only way to rid the teeth of this build up and prevent it from damaging the tooth enamel. 

As a general guideline, patients should schedule routine dental exams and cleanings twice a year (though some patients may require more frequent care). These appointments provide a deeper level of clean than can be achieved at home. Additionally, professional dental exams allow any potential dental problems to be diagnosed while they are in their earliest stages and still easy to treat. 

Schedule Recommended Follow-up Care

At-home oral hygiene habits and preventative dentistry treatments go a long way toward minimizing the risk of dental problems. However, most patients will experience some degree of dental decay or damage in their lifetime. 

Fortunately, when a dental problem is diagnosed early, it can usually be treated simply and effectively. However, if a patient fails to schedule recommended follow-up care, the dental problem will progress, and the patient will face more serious complications. To prevent dental problems from getting worse, patients should always undergo any necessary restorative dentistry treatment as soon as possible.

Learn More

Professional dental care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. If you’d like to learn more about the comprehensive range of dental services offered by Dr. Rohinton J. Patel at his family dentistry practice, contact us at your earliest convenience.