Too many people avoid dental care until there is a problem; they don’t make the time to come in for treatment until they’re already dealing with cavities, dental damage, or gum disease. The truth is that is much easier, more comfortable, and affordable to put some time and energy into preventive dental treatments. By keeping your smile as healthy as possible to begin with, you can minimize your risk of requiring comprehensive restorative care in the future.
An important aspect of preventive dental care is the at-home oral hygiene routine. Because plaque is building up on your smile 24/7, you have to be just as persistent about cleaning your teeth and gums. In order to optimize your at-home dental routine, talk to your dentist about:
- What size of toothbrush you should be using
- What bristle-firmness you should look for in a toothbrush
- Whether your toothpaste should include any particular ingredients
In order to achieve full results, you need to pair daily care with professional treatments. The American Dental Association recommends that patients complete professional cleanings every six months or so; these appointments also allow our team to check your smile for any signs of emerging problems, like oral cancer.
During your semi-annual appointments, our dentists may recommend particular preventive therapies, especially if you’re already dealing with a weakened smile. Topical fluoride treatments, for example, can help to strengthen vulnerable dental enamel. Sealants can also be used to protect deeply pitted enamel from bacteria colonization.
Take the time now to invest in preventive dental care. Your smile will thank you for it in years to come. Even if it has been a long time since you’ve been in to see a dentist, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you care for your smile. Give our office a call, or use the Contact Us page on our site to get started.