Noticing signs and symptoms of oral disease or injury obviously calls for care, but you don’t need to have poor health to benefit from dental care. At Lashen Dental Group in Denville, New Jersey, dental professionals Stephen Lashen, DDS, Jessica Klein, DMD, and Jason Klein, DMD, encourage you to take part in preventive care to avoid oral health complications in the first place. To book your next routine dental exam and cleaning, call Lashen Dental Group or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is preventive care?
Preventive care in dentistry refers to the parts of your care that become part of your routine. Participating in preventive care helps you avoid a wide range of oral health issues and save the money and time it takes to correct them. Some parts of preventive care require a visit to Lashen Dental Group, while others are steps that you take every day at home.
A few conditions and complications that you can avoid with the right preventive care are:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Tooth decay
- Enamel wear
Your dentist at Lashen Dental Group teaches you how to make the best of your preventive care at home between your appointments.
What does preventive care involve?
Preventive care involves both home care and care in the dentist’s chair. A few essential steps in your preventive care routine are:
Professional cleanings
A professional cleaning is more than just a thorough tooth brushing. At Lashen Dental Group, the team cleans and polishes your teeth with specialized dental tools. They floss between them and scrape away plaque and tartar from between your teeth and around your gumline.
Exams and screenings
During your cleaning appointments, your dentist also does a physical exam of your mouth. They look for signs of disease and decay. They also screen your mouth for signs of oral cancer and order further testing if necessary.
Home care
The team at Lashen Dental Group instructs you on how to properly care for your teeth at home. You must brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and change your toothbrush once every 3-4 months. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can help you keep your teeth free of cavities.
How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?
Ideally, you should visit Lashen Dental Group once every six months, or twice per year, for a routine exam and cleaning. The team could recommend that you attend more frequent preventive care visits if your oral health is at risk.
At each of your dental visits, your dentist has the opportunity to find signs of complications early and correct them with simple treatments. They prevent these issues from getting worse the longer you go without treatment.
For more preventive care tips, book your next visit at Lashen Dental Group by phone or online today.
