Protect your smile with the help of preventive dentistry.
When was the last time you visited the dentist for a checkup? Routine dental checkups are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and our Greensboro, NC, dentist Dr. Michelle Mottinger wants to make it easy for families to get the preventive dentistry they need all year long.
What does preventive dentistry entail?
Preventive care is anything that instills good oral habits and protects against cavities and gum disease. This includes,
- Proper at-home oral care (brushing and flushing)
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and starches
- Oral exams every six months
- Professional dental cleanings
- Dental X-rays (performed once a year by our Greensboro, NC, dentist)
Depending on your age and certain risk factors that could predispose you to dental problems, your dentist may also recommend other preventive dental options including,
- Mouthguards, if you’re playing sports
- A night splint, to protect teeth if you have bruxism (aka: teeth grinding)
- Fluoride treatment, to reduce your risk for cavities and to strengthen teeth
- Dental sealants, to prevent cavities on the chewing surfaces of your molars
Why is preventive dentistry so important?
The reason why preventive dentistry is so important is that it helps your whole family protect their smiles from common issues including injury, decay and infection. Plus, these routine checkups also allow our dental team to be able to catch problems early on.
Preventive dentistry can protect against,
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Abscesses
- Infected teeth
- Sports-related dental injuries
- Worn teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth caused by teeth grinding
- TMJ disorder
What can I do to protect my smile?
You also play as much of a role in your preventive dental care as our dental team, if not more. Here are some ways to protect against gingivitis and cavities,
- Brush at least twice a day (aim to brush between meals and snacks)
- Floss once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid tobacco
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid sugar or acidic foods, which can damage enamel
- Rinse with mouthwash throughout the day
- Drink enough water
- Avoid hard foods, which could damage teeth (think, foods with pits or bones)
If it’s been more than six months since you or your child has visited the dentist here in Greensboro, NC, then it’s time for a professional cleaning. Call our office today at (336) 375-1825.