Preventative Dental Care

What is Preventative Dental Care?

Preventative dental care is the practice of caring for your teeth properly to prevent the development of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. It involves several dental tasks such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

Signs that you need Preventative Dental Care

Several symptoms can manifest in your oral cavity that will imply that you need to practice preventative dental care. These include:

Key benefits of Preventative Dental Care

One of the principal benefits of preventative dental care is that it is inexpensive to the patient. Adhering to strict oral hygiene practices and early detection of dental problems will help minimize future treatment procedures and costs.
It also helps avoid tooth decay and infection. Adhering to recommended oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing will discourage the accumulation of plaque, which is responsible for causing tooth decay.
Preventative dental care is also helpful in terms of improving your smile and self-confidence. Excellent oral hygiene practices help brighten your teeth and prevent tooth discolorations from occurring.

Foods that are Recommended in Preventative Dental Care

The kinds of foods that a person takes have a significant impact on his or her teeth. For optimum oral health, individuals should ensure that they include the following in their diet:

Calcium-rich foods help promote strong teeth and bones. These include yogurt, cheese, low/fat-free milk, canned salmon, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Phosphorus-containing foods such as nuts, beans, fish, and dairy are also great for well-built teeth.
Vitamin C is vital for the promotion of gum health. Therefore, it is advisable to eat plenty of citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes tomatoes, peppers, and spinach.

Durability of Preventive Dental Care

Preventative dentistry is very crucial in upholding a patient’s overall oral health. However, you should consult your dentist once every six months to have a professional assessment of the status of your teeth.

After Procedure Care/Useful Preventative Dental Care Habits

You should keep practicing the oral hygiene regimen recommended by dentists to maintain your dental health. These include brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, using mouthwash then avoiding sugary and acidic foods. Adhering to such routines will contribute significantly towards your overall oral wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I come in?

Most people do well with visits every 6 months. If you have gum disease, we may recommend every 3–4 months.

Do cleanings whiten teeth?

Cleanings remove surface stains and plaque. For a brighter shade, ask about professional whitening.

Are X-rays safe?

We use digital X-rays with very low radiation and only when needed to diagnose problems we can’t see.

What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and a “deep cleaning”?

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease below the gums and may be done with numbing.

Are fluoride and sealants just for kids?

They’re helpful for adults too—especially if you have dry mouth, frequent cavities, or deep grooves.

Schedule your checkup

Ready for an easy, thorough cleaning and exam? Call our Boston team to book your visit. Call 857-888-8000 to schedule now Other locations: Beverly 978-288-1000 • Lowell 978-999-9000 • Waltham 781-666-6000 • Fairhaven 508-967-1000