Show your smile some love by giving it what it really needs: preventive dental care. Regular preventive care can help you avoid costly and serious dental problems and keep your smile shining.
It’s important to maintain a daily routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. But here are some other strategies to practice with your family:
Visit the dentist regularly to help ensure oral health problems are found early and taken care of before they become more serious and expensive. During routine visits, your dentist will screen for oral cancers and symptoms of other health issues that can be difficult to spot on your own.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps teeth resist cavities. Your family can take advantage of its benefits through fluoridated toothpaste and most tap water, but some people could use additional fluoride treatments. Talk to your dentist about whether you or your family should have fluoride treatments.
Sealants are thin coatings that protect difficult-to-reach areas on teeth from decay. They are applied to permanent molars as soon as they come in, usually between the ages of 6 to 8 for first molars and 10 to 12 for second molars, and can last for years. Ask your dentist if sealants are a good choice for your children.
They’re designed to prevent problems. At dental appointments, take full advantage of the benefits your dental plan provides. The good news is that many plans cover cleanings and exams at 100 percent, and some cover fluoride treatments and sealants as well.
Be sure to practice preventive dental care. Your mouth and wallet will thank you!