Preventive dental care is key to keeping your teeth healthy throughout the course of your life. But it goes beyond that. Good oral health can impact your general health, as well.

Preventive dentistry is dental care that helps maintain good oral health. It’s a combination of regular dental check-ups along with developing good habits like brushing and flossing. Taking care of your teeth starts early in childhood and extends throughout the course of your life.

What are common preventive dentistry services?
Preventive dentistry services may include:

• Regular oral exams, usually every 6 months
• Teeth cleaning
• Routine X-rays

What is preventive dentistry for children?

As soon as a child gets their first tooth, preventive dental care can begin. Preventive dentistry for kids can help identify problems early on in your child’s life before dental problems become worse and often more costly.

Services typically include the following:

• Promote good dental habits, including brushing and flossing, guidance on thumb sucking, as well as advice on eating habits that help improve dental health.
• Regular teeth cleanings and oral exams, usually every 6 months
• Fluoride application (usually up to a certain age)
• Dental Sealants
• Routine X-rays to help track jaw and teeth development
• Fitting athletic mouthguards
• Referrals to orthodontists if teeth are crooked
• Referrals to other dental specialists as needed
• Helping identify related health issues that may impact a child’s dental health.