Why Preventative Dental Care Is So Important

Regular preventative dental care is important. It can help you get an early diagnosis of potential cavities, so you can focus on giving those areas more attention. Regular dental cleanings can help remove plaque so there is not the chance of hardened plaque buildup occurring. Preventative dental care from a trusted dentist can save you money in the long run and give you a better oral health for life.

What is preventative dental care?

Preventative dental care and preventative dentistries are important because they help you maintain good oral health. Preventative dental strategies are even more important for children. Good oral health allows you to avoid cavities and gum infections. Preventative dental care involves finding a dentist to visit whom you trust, brushing and flossing, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking necessary precautions like receiving fluoride treatments and sealant to prevent cavities.

When you visit our office for routine checkups, we will monitor dental development for your children, provide oral health education, and evaluate your teeth for potential or present cavities. The best way to practice at-home dental care is by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you are able, also brush after meals for extra protection from cavities. Make sure you always use toothpaste with fluoride in it.

Why is preventative dental care important?

When you have an unhealthy mouth, it can transcend to other areas of your health. Good oral health helps you maintain good overall health. When you have consistent cavities, it can lead to unsightly teeth that could affect self-esteem and put a strain on your wallet to fix. To maintain a healthy and attractive smile, it is important to practice preventative dental care. When you keep regular appointments with the dentist to prevent decay and disease, you avoid excessive costs for repairs and improvements later.

At what age should I begin preventative dental care?

Preventative dental care can begin at home even before bringing a child in for their first dentist visit. Even while the child is teething or as the first tooth erupts, parents should begin brushing the child's teeth with an appropriate soft-bristled brush. Parents should bring their child in for the first dentist visit no later than one year of age. If the child’s first tooth comes through the gum before age one, then he or she should schedule an appointment. This will provide a foundation for good future oral health habits and keep the child free of dental problems.

We hope these brief explanations of the importance of preventative dental care have helped you understand how vital this care is for your health and the health of your children. If you do find that a cavity has developed, or infection occurs, we can help you get rid of these issues and prevent them from happening again in the future.

Visit our dental office in El Dorado Hills to learn valuable tips on caring for your teeth and gums for a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

You can call Scott Dexter, DDS at (916) 233-0910.