What is Preventative Dental Care?
Preventative dentistry could also be known as proactive dentistry. Preventative dental care is everything you can control to help prevent more serious dental issues – and other health issues – that can often be avoided. Taking a proactive approach to your dental care can help to reduce the potential development of cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, and periodontitis. Not to mention that oral health affects other medical conditions.
Want to know the good news and…the good news? Most preventative care can be done in the comfort of your home. And the other half of the good news is that most dental insurances cover preventative care with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Plus, good oral hygiene can help prevent more than just health issues in your mouth. It can help minimize the risk of some diseases that can be attributed to poor oral health such as diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer.
What does at-home preventive dental care include?
From daily brushing to frequent flossing, and a healthy diet you’re already on your way to a strong oral care routine. Need to pick up some new toothpaste? You can check out some of Dr. Lesperance’s recommended oral hygiene products here.
When it comes to brushing, be sure to use fluoride-based toothpaste and brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Some electric toothbrushes do the counting for you! And when you floss, be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies and floss both sides of each tooth. Plus, your diet affects your oral health as well and the right diet can help give you strong healthy teeth and gums.
Can preventative dental care help save money?
The answer is, yes! Just like taking preventative measures like oil changes for your car and an annual AC tune-up, you’re taking the right steps to prevent longer-term and more serious and costly issues. The same is true when it comes to your oral hygiene. Preventative dental care is good for your wallet, too. Brushing after eating, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and being mindful of what you eat and drink can all lead to healthy teeth and minimize additional and unnecessary spending.
How can my dentist help with my preventative dental care?
Your dentist and the whole dental team play an integral role in your preventative dental care routine. First, it’s important for you to make an appointment at least every six months for routine dental cleaning with a dental hygienist. Your dentist and hygienist will recommend more frequent or deeper cleanings as necessary. But picking up the phone to schedule your next dental appointment is the first step you need to take. Just like any relationship, it takes two. And in this case, it takes both you and your dentist, to help ensure healthy teeth and a smile you feel confident in for the best preventative dental care.
Preventative Dental Care in Miami, Florida
If you are looking for a new dentist in the Miami area, connect with the team at South Gables Dental care for all your preventative dental care needs including your bi-annual cleanings!
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