Www. hendersonvillefamilydentistry.com Prevention Did you know that is the second most common disease, following the common cold? The sad fact is that most of us will experience at least one dental cavity during our lives, and a significant amount of the population will develop gum disease. So why are we, as a nation, so at risk for dental problems? There are a number of factors, but the way we treat our teeth has a lot to do with the outcome.Preventive dentistry is the ongoing care used to prevent the occurrence of tooth decay and other dental diseases. Public health advocates are also battling the tooth decay epidemic through preventive dentistry methods. We have so many resources to keep our dental health in check -- here's how you can best utilize them.At HomeThe main responsibility of preventive care falls on you! In order to reduce your chances of getting a dental disease, you have to take care of yourself. Consider the following points when it comes to your preventive dentistry program:Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing removes dental plaque, a film-like substance that is constantly forming on your teeth. If not removed, dental plaque can build up over time and produce dental tartar, a hardened, sticky substance which harbors the acid-producing bacteria that generate tooth decay. Eventually, dental tartar will creep under the gum line, leading to gum disease as well.Diet -- A good diet is incredibly important to your dental health. Not only do foods that contain sugars and carbohydrates feed the bacteria that produce dental plaque, but studies also show a diet low in calcium can increase your chances of ending up with periodontal disease and jaw deterioration.Smoking and Drinking --Smoking, chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol can wreak havoc on your mouth! If the dry mouth, tooth discoloration and buildup of dental plaque aren't enough for you to want to quit smoking, consider this: Smoking causes gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer.