Written By Lizzie Weakley / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Most people are aware of the widespread dental recommendation to brush teeth daily, preferably after each meal and snack. Although we might brush just once or twice a day, we often feel that basic care is probably adequate. However, there are several other aspects of dental care that should be included as part of a daily preventative plan.

Daily Flossing for Preventative Dental Care

Although dentists recommend daily flossing of the teeth, usually before bedtime to remove the day's accumulation of food particles and debris, many people don't floss routinely. Some will floss now and then when they think of it or after eating food that sticks to their teeth.

To be effective though, flossing should be done at least once daily, and it doesn't hurt to floss after each meal. Food left between your teeth or under the gum line will decay and corrode the teeth, leaving cavities and possible gum infection. Brushing alone is not usually adequate for removing all the left-behind food.

Regular Dental Screenings for Preventative Dental Care

Depending on your dental insurance, you might visit the dentist once a year or only when a problem develops. But dentists typically want to see patients every six months for a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and any necessary treatment.

Some patients with special medical conditions may need to be seen more often. Skipping dental checkups allows developing problems to be missed until they become big problems, requiring more extensive treatment.

Routine Mouth Rinsing for Preventative Dental Care

Your dentist may suggest using a mouth rinse for various purposes. One is to reduce bacteria and help prevent cavities. Another use is to strengthen gum tissue. A third will help to treat bad breath. If your dentist recommends a mouth rinse, use it as prescribed to keep your teeth strong and healthy. You might need to rinse just once a day for 30 seconds to reap the benefits.

Protective Mouth Gear for Preventative Dental Care

Kids or adults who play sports should always wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth if there is a risk of being hit by a ball or other sports equipment. Professional teams and school teams often require the use of protective dental gear, but community teams may not.

Playing sports in your backyard may also lead to dental injuries without protective gear. Wear an appropriate device to keep teeth from being injured or damaged.

Get a good report on your six-month dental checkups by following the dentist's advice and performing complete daily dental home care. The dentist can also help you with your preventative dental care in the office.

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Written By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.