Preventative

Preventive dental services maintain your teeth and gums. Proactive oral care involves daily flossing and brushing, and semi-annual cleanings and exams. The practice of these tasks are designed to avoid gum disease, cavities and enamel wear – which often leads to sensitivity.

Preventive dental services include:

• Regular oral exams, usually every 6 months

• Teeth cleaning

• Routine x-rays

The dental exam itself is a form of prevention, as the purpose of the appointment is to detect the potential for dental decay, both during the oral exam and upon reading any dental images (x-rays) taken.

What’s your role in preventive dental care?

Developing healthy dental habits starts with you.

• Floss daily to get food that’s stuck between teeth before it turns to plaque.

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day—usually morning and night--using a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you. They can also instruct you on how to properly brush.

• Use a mouthwash to rinse out food particles after flossing.

• Avoid acidic foods that can harm tooth enamel.

• Be cautious with hard foods, like some candies, foods with bones, seeds, or pits that could damage or chip teeth.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products--these can lead to cancer and other dental problems.

• Use a mouthguard when participating in certain sports.

• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a nighttime mouth guard to help reduce gum recession.