119 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, NC 27278 
919-732-8179 
The future health of your smile is just as important to us as the present. Here at Providence Smiles, we provide preventive dentistry to help keep your smile in top condition so you can avoid harmful and severe oral health issues later on. If you would like to learn more about preventive dentistry in Hillsborough, North Carolina, please feel free to contact us today at 919-732-8179 and set up a visit with our dentist, Dr. Kwame Gyampo.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry refers to all dental treatments that are designed to prevent oral health issues before they occur. Preventive treatments are concerned mostly with maintaining the health of your smile so you can enjoy the long-term function and beauty of your natural teeth. This means caring for your whole mouth, including your teeth, gums and supporting oral structures, through positive oral hygiene measures, such as:
- Consistent home care (brushing and flossing)
- Regular dental cleanings and exams
- Dental sealants and fluoride treatment when recommended
- Keeping your oral appliances and restorations in good condition
- Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding habits that negatively affect your oral health, such as smoking
- Using recommended oral health products or hygiene aids
While much of preventive dentistry is centered on oral hygiene, part of it is also keeping an eye out for conditions that may affect your overall health regardless of the health of your teeth, such as oral cancer or denture stomatitis. The earlier these conditions are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat and the more likely their treatments will be successful.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Your regular dental check-ups are vital to maintaining a healthy smile, and we recommend visiting our office every six months for your preventive care. These appointments are also important opportunities for our dentist to monitor your mouth for any unusual developments or potential health concerns.
Preventive Care at Home
Our team works hard to care for your smile when you visit our office, but your oral hygiene habits at home will make the biggest difference in your continued dental health. There are a number of daily habits we recommend to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. These include brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, eating a balanced diet and maintaining your regular visits with our office.
Many of our patients do not realize there is a correct way to brush and floss your teeth that helps you avoid common dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, halitosis (bad breath) or teeth discoloration, and they are surprised to learn that their hygiene routine is not as effective as it could be. For your convenience, our team has provided a basic guide to brushing and flossing.
How To Brush
You will find the most success using a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association® (ADA) and fluoridated toothpaste. We highly recommend switching out your toothbrush every one to three months. Electric toothbrushes have also been proven to be highly effective. While brushing, remember to:
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle
- Brush in small, circular motions along the front and back of each tooth
- Brush in back-and-forth motions along the chewing surfaces of each tooth
- Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing
- Brush your tongue
How To Floss
Brushing alone does not clean the entire tooth, which is why it is so important to floss at least once a day, clearing food and debris from between the teeth and preventing harmful bacteria from accumulating. While flossing, remember to:
- Use about 18 inches of floss
- Wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand until the hands are two to three inches apart
- Move the floss from the chewing surface toward the gumline, curving it in a C-shape around the tooth
- Repeat the above several times to remove plaque between teeth
- Avoid being aggressive in your flossing, as this may cut your gums
If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routines or the preventive treatments we recommend for your smile, call or visit our office to schedule your appointment with our team. If you have questions about brushing or flossing, please speak with our dentist or hygiene team.