10 Preventative Dental Care Steps to Maintain a Healthy Smile

by | Jun 20, 2017

If you don’t take care of your teeth, no one is going to do it for you. Poor dental care can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and more. Once these problems occur, you may find you have to hand over hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix your teeth and gums. Therefore, preventative dental care is very important for Hendricks County residents.
Preventative dental care involves completing daily oral health and hygiene steps to avoid problems with your teeth and gums. Here are 10 preventative oral care activities you can do at home or by visiting Danville Family Dentistry:

  1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regular tooth brushing helps remove food particles and dental plaque, a film-like coating that sticks to your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, dental tartar, a hard, sticky substance containing acid-producing bacteria, can form. Tartar causes tooth decay which can lead to gum disease.
  2. Floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque in those hard-to-reach areas, like in between your teeth and below the gum line.
  3. Follow a balanced diet. Limit the amount of sweets and snacks you eat. Plus, watch your carbohydrates. Bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugar and carbohydrates, which can produce plaque. Eat more calcium-rich foods to prevent gum disease and jaw deterioration.
  4. Visit Danville Family Dentistry every six months for an oral exam. Regular dental exams help Dr. Jon Erickson detect dental problems early before they cause significant damage. For children, regular dental check-ups enable Dr. Erickson to make sure your Hendricks County child’s teeth are developing correctly and that they don’t have cavities.
  5. Get professional dental cleanings. A professional dental cleaning at Danville Family Dentistry can get rid of plaque and stains that regular tooth brushing can’t remove. Professional dental cleanings are recommended every six months.
  6. Have dental X-rays taken. X-rays enable Dr. Erickson to see signs of dental problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These problems can include cavities between your teeth or dental issues below your gum line.
  7. Use fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your teeth while preventing tooth decay. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpastes and/or rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride treatments at Danville Family Dentistry also can help stop tooth decay before it becomes worse.
  8. Wear mouth guards. A mouth guard is a dental device that covers and protects your teeth while you’re playing sports. Mouth guards help keep your teeth from getting broken during rough play. Also, they are used to treat teeth grinding, which can wear down your teeth. Talk to Dr. Erickson about getting fitted for a custom mouth guard.
  9. Get sealant treatments. Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that Dr. Erickson places on the chewing surfaces of your back permanent teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Both adults and children can get sealants.
  10. Stop smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption. Smoking, chewing tobacco and/or drinking alcohol excessively can cause problems with your oral health. Smoking and chewing tobacco can increase your risk of oral cancer. Therefore, see Dr. Erickson for regular oral cancer screenings.

When you follow these 10 practices, you can help avoid major dental problems that require more extensive dental care treatments – saving you potential money. Therefore, act to make preventative dental care a part of your daily routine. If you have questions about the best way for you and your family to practice preventative dental care, call Danville Family Dentistry at 317-745-4400 to meet with Dr. Erickson to discuss your dental care options.

Smile Savings Plan Offers Preventative Dental Care

If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still receive preventative dental care through Danville Family Dentistry’s Smile Savings Plan. For a low annual fee, qualified patients can get the following preventative dental care services for one year:

  • 2 professional dental cleanings
  • 2 professional oral evaluations
  • 2 fluoride treatments for children ages 16 and under
  • Routinely scheduled X-rays

To learn more about the Smile Savings Plan, contact our Hendricks County office for more information and to register.
Get serious about your long-term oral health by taking preventative action today.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.