Brushing & Flossing
Ann Arbor, MI
 The stepping stone for preventive dentistry is maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth, floss daily, and attend regular dental visits. The purpose of all this is to keep your gums and teeth healthy. It is important to follow early intervention methods to address issues before they become severe. Knowing essential components of preventive dentistry can help you do just that.
Daily Prevention Habits
An effective and consistent oral hygiene routine helps maintain optimal dental health. Here are the key practices to keep up with:
Brushing
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
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Brush twice daily
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Use fluoride toothpaste
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Proper brushing technique involves holding the brush at a 45° angle
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Use circular strokes to avoid damaging the gums
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Brush for at least two minutes each session
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Replace your toothbrush every three months |
Flossing
Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque that get stuck below the gum line and between your teeth. Here's the right technique to floss:
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Break off 18 inches of floss
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Wrap it around your index fingers
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Slide the floss between the teeth and move up and down, following the curve |
Mouthwash
Swish a little antibacterial mouthwash in your mouth to strengthen your teeth and freshen your breath. Mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing, but should be done in addition.
How Dental Exams Work
First, we will want to know your medical history. This will help us determine your oral health, and how it may have changed over the years.
Your past dental records will give us insight into your treatments, medication, and medical conditions. This information is important in ensuring the right course of action. It protects against complications, such as administering anesthesia or prescribing medications if you are allergic to them.
Examining Your Gums, Teeth, and Jaw
Your dental exam begins with a special handheld tool. It's a metal probe with a mirror at the end. It helps dentists see between and behind your teeth for cavities. The angled surface allows us to see the softening of dentin and enamel.
This dental exam also includes checking for any indications of:
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Gum problems
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Sores
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Swelling
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Redness |
The dentist measures the space between the gum line and the tissue that secures the tooth. This is also known as periodontal pockets. If the pockets are more than 3mm deep, it means you have periodontitis.
Next up is checking bite alignment. The dentist will ask you to bite down to feel your jawbone. If the joints click or the jaws clench, it means your bite is not right.
Checking for Oral Cancer
Most people are unable to notice oral cancer's initial stages. The warning signs may include:
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Blocked salivary glands
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Unexplained bleeding
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Soles or ulcers
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Lesions |
According to the American Cancer Society, there have been around 58,450 new oral cavity cases in 2024. Among these, 12,230 have died due to oropharyngeal cancer. The most common sites of oral cancer include:
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The tongue
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The oropharynx and tonsils
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The floor of the mouth, gums, and other areas inside the mouth |
Men are more susceptible to oropharyngeal cancer than women. Both have good survival rates if the cancer is diagnosed early.
Taking X-Rays
Problems that are not visible clearly are detected by X-rays. These allow us to find out what lies behind the gums and teeth. Digital X-rays are 90% more effective in making a diagnosis. Moreover, they give off less radiation compared to traditional X-ray equipment. X-rays help spot tooth root problems, swelling in the jaw, and gum infections.
Checking for Diabetes
Bad breath (halitosis) and gum infection are sometimes indications of diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have gum problems because they are unable to fight mouth bacteria. Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause fruity, sweet-smelling breath. This is caused by insufficient insulin. In severe cases, diabetes might also cause oral cancer.
Dental Cleanings
An important component of an oral hygiene routine is teeth cleaning. It includes finding cavities and removing plaque.
Before beginning the cleaning procedure, the dentist gives your mouth a physical inspection. We will examine the area around the gums and teeth using a tiny mirror to look for indications of gingivitis and other issues. Tartar, or severe plaque accumulation, is removed by scraping and washing the area surrounding your teeth.
To clean teeth, we use a powerful electric brush and grit-free toothpaste. This procedure carefully removes plaque buildup from the teeth. Professional flossing is done in the spaces between your teeth. Following a fluoride treatment, the dentist will rewash your teeth once they are pleased with the cleaning.
Professional teeth cleaning procedures are quite beneficial when you want to improve the general condition of your teeth and brighten your smile. As a result, your bad breath goes away, and cavities and tooth decay are minimized.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin layers of solidified resin applied to teeth to stop deterioration. They are positioned on the molars and premolars. By creating a barrier that keeps food particles and bacteria out, sealants can stop cavities on chewing surfaces. Everything about the process is simple, fast, and soothing. Depending on how many teeth are affected, approximately half an hour is needed. Dental sealants are made of composite resin and glass ionomer.
Glass Ionomers
These are applied as a paste and have a strong acidic base. This specific kind of tooth sealant releases fluoride and shrinks less. Over time, the fluoride may disappear. The enamel becomes stronger. However, glass ionomers have a short retention period.
Composite Resin
These dental sealants are made of plastic and ceramic materials. Dentists use laser curing to make them harder. Here are some of their benefits:
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They help stop tooth decay
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They have a good retention rate (Can endure up to 10 years)
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They are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water
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They prevent bacteria from growing due to standing moisture
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They are suitable for both permanent and infant teeth |
Book an Appointment
Consistent preventative oral care routines and collaboration with a reliable dental team are essential for maintaining good oral health. For this reason, Everwell Dentistry is committed to offering patients of all ages the best preventive dental care. We care about you and your family having healthy smiles.
By realizing the value of preventative dentistry, you can protect your oral health and lower the risk of tooth and gum problems. Make an appointment for your upcoming dental visit with Dr. Embree, and allow us to assist you in obtaining and preserving the best possible oral health. For more information or to book an appointment, call (734) 973-0000.
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