Odontophobia, also known as dentophobia, is an irrational or extreme fear of going to the dentist. Many avoid going, expecting a fictional, cartoonish image of a dentist with a large, pointy drill, attempting an invasive procedure on a fearful patient. Rest assured, the dentists at Kitchener Family Dental, in Kitchener, ON, are nothing like that image. These healthcare professionals have years of experience regarding patient safety and comfort. The invasive procedures you're worried about are rare, especially if you practice good dental and oral care.
What is preventive care?
Preventive care is the gold standard of treatment. Cavities, root canals, gum diseases, and other oral ailments often stem from a poor dental care routine and bad oral hygiene. With so much bacteria in the mouth, it’s important to use every tool at hand, to maintain good oral health.
Brushing your Teeth
The most fundamental pillar of preventive dental care is brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. This removes the buildup of plaque, which may harden into tartar and calculus deposits if left on teeth. The bacteria-dense deposits create holes called cavities in teeth, which may require procedures like a root canal if left untreated.
Flossing Every Night
Flossing is key in removing plaque and food debris between teeth and under the gums, where bacteria may cause infections, such as gingivitis.
Don't Skip the Mouthwash
Since there are so many hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, a disinfectant mouthwash is vital to clearing out all the tight recesses and nooks brushing or flossing can't reach. This antiseptic rinse serves as another line of defense against plaque and gingivitis.
Visiting a Dentist
There’s no way around it. A regular checkup with your Kitchener dentist is a crucial part of preventive healthcare since dentists can check for underlying asymptomatic issues. In other words, your dentist stops diseases early on.
Need to speak with a dentist?
Dental diseases can be very serious to overall health, so don’t delay proper dental healthcare. Call (519) 578-2419 or visit https://www.kitchenerfamilydental.com/ to learn more about good oral healthcare from Kitchener Family Dental, in Kitchener, ON.