Preventative Care

Preventative Care

What is preventative care? How often should I be brushing and flossing?

What is preventative care?

Preventative care is measures that you as a patient can take to maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems before they occur or worsen. It can include things like brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods, and limiting foods that are sugary, starchy, or acidic–especially drinks like sodas and sports drinks. If you do drink acidic beverages, use a straw each time to help mitigate the effect these drinks have on your teeth’s enamel.

Why do I need regular cleanings and checkups?

Regular cleaning and checkups are a vital step in the process of maintaining good dental health. At these appointments, the doctor will check for issues like gum disease and tooth decay, clean your teeth to avoid infection and cavities, and answer any questions you may have related to your dental health. It’s incredibly important to have these appointments every 6 months or so, as plaque that is left alone for an extended period of time can cause inflammation and gum disease. 

How often should I be brushing and flossing?

We recommend patients brush their teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once daily.