Preventative Care
Routine preventative care services
Keeping Your Smile Healthy With Routine Care
Caring for your smile is an ongoing process, which is why the most important dental hygiene tip is to brush your teeth twice and floss at least once every single day. That’s also why keeping your smile healthy and avoiding common dental issues (like tooth decay and gum disease) requires visiting your dentist on a regular basis for routine preventive care. After the age of three years old, everyone should attend a preventive exam and cleaning at least once every six months, even when their smiles are in optimal health. This routine serves as a baseline for fighting to reduce and remove harmful plaque and tartar and noting any changes that might indicate a need for further dental treatment.
Routine Checkups and Cleanings
General dentistry encompasses a number of different services, though checkups and cleanings are the most common. No matter the treatment, the goal is to help you avoid or minimize issues that could impact the health and integrity of your healthy, natural smile. For example, checkups and cleanings periodically remove tartar and the harmful oral bacteria it harbors, which you can’t remove at home. If your exam reveals the development of gum disease, tooth decay or damage, or other concerns, then your dentist will consult with you to determine what the next appropriate step should be to protect your smile.
What Preventive Dentistry Includes
Aside from routine checkups and cleanings, preventive care can also include more direct ways of preventing specific concerns. For instance, children who are at a heightened risk of developing tooth decay might benefit from fluoride treatments that enhance the strength of their tooth enamel. Dental sealants might also be recommended, which are layers of biocompatible acrylic that stop food debris and bacteria from gathering on the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. When most oral health issues (including cavities and gum disease) are detected in their earliest stages, the right preventive treatment may help you stop it from becoming more severe.