Preventive dentistry is the term for taking care of your teeth BEFORE serious problems arise. Read on for more information about how important the family is in preventive dentistry.
The Importance of the Family in Preventive Dentistry
You need to brush your teeth at least twice each day using a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles. Overly aggressive brushing can damage your gums and enamel, but a gentle, circular motion will get the job done. Flossing once a day will remove accumulated debris and help prevent the buildup of plaque. Eating nutritious foods and avoiding or limiting sugars and soda can help avoid cavities.
We know you are busy and taking those actions isn’t always convenient, but as a parent, it is important that you develop and maintain good oral hygiene habits for yourself and teach them to your children.
A recent study conducted in 17 countries found that parents’ toothbrushing habits and sugar intake have a profound influence on their children’s habits. The conclusion of the study was that consistent habits in childhood begin at home, with the parents, especially the mother, playing an important role in the child’s oral health behaviors. It’s clear from the studies that your family environment can encourage healthy choices and a lifestyle that will lead to fewer dental issues later.
We Can Help
Here at Michelle Munoz, DDS, we offer a number of services to help you and your family in your prevention efforts. The obvious one is regularly scheduled thorough exams and cleanings. A major reason we provide checkups and cleanings is to detect oral health issues and prevent them from becoming more serious problems later.
We offer sealants to make it easier to keep teeth clean and cavity-free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that children without sealants have nearly three times more cavities than those who had sealants applied.
Bridges, crowns, implants, and dentures are all ways we prevent damaged or missing teeth from causing more serious problems. Early detection is one reason we recommend x-rays every six months. We use digital x-rays that result in less radiation to you and more detailed images for us to identify problem areas.
If you or a member of your family has a higher than average risk of developing cavities, our fluoride treatment is a safe preventive measure to take. The fluoride we use in our preparation is stronger than the concentration found in toothpastes or fluoride mouth rinses.
Developing and maintaining good oral health habits is a family affair in partnership with us. If you are in Uvalde, Texas, or the surrounding area, let us do our part to help you maintain your good oral health. Contact my office for an appointment today!
Best,
Dr. Munoz
