Preventive Care

By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities.

Everyday habits that protect your smile

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep your breath fresh.
• Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.

Help from your dental team

• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. See what happens during regular exams and cleanings.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts. Read more about sealants.
• If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

Preventive care is also the best defense against gum disease, and it is where good habits for kids begin. Our pediatric dentistry page covers brushing, flossing and checkups for children.

A preventive plan for every age

• Babies and toddlers: a first visit by the first birthday, gentle cleanings, and advice on teething and bottles. See pediatric dentistry.
• Children and teens: six-month checkups, fluoride treatments, sealants on new molars, and a sports mouthguard for active kids.
• Adults: cleanings and exams, screening for gum disease and oral cancer, and a nightguard if stress or grinding is wearing your teeth down.
• Older adults: extra attention to dry mouth, root decay and gum health, and care for crowns, bridges, implants and dentures.

Why prevention pays off

A cleaning and exam costs far less than a filling, and a filling far less than a crown or root canal. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive visits, often at little or no cost to you, because they prevent bigger problems. Our financial information page explains billing, and our dental FAQs answer common questions about brushing, flossing and checkups.

Ready for your next checkup? Request an appointment.