Novato Family Dentist Shares Tips for Reducing Cavities and Gum Disease

Written by Dr. McConnell on Dec 2, 2014

It’s well known that taking proper care of your teeth will provide a lifetime of oral health. Unfortunately, though, prevention through good oral health practices is often not a priority for many people. The Novato Family Dentist, understands the importance of prevention and offers reasons why proper preventive care for our teeth is essential.

Regular Professional Cleanings

Food and beverages that are consumed during the day stick to the surfaces of our teeth. This creates the substance we know as plaque. Since plaque buildup is not obvious, you may not even be aware of the presence of these bacteria until you have a dental problem. Scheduling professional cleanings twice a year is critical to monitoring plaque build-up so action can be taken.

Thorough Dental Exams

Comprehensive dental exams go hand-in-and with professional cleanings to stay a step ahead of problems. During these exams our dentist will identify any underlying issues and address them before they become painful and complicated and costly to treat.

Brushing and Flossing at Home

If you’re not sure which products will be most effective for maintaining your daily oral health, your dental hygienist will be happy to guide you in selecting the proper oral health products. Diligent at-home oral hygiene is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Fluoride & Sealants

Fluoride is important for keeping teeth healthy and strong. It is available through topical applications by our dentist as well as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Another great source of fluoride is non-bottled drinking water.

Dental sealants are used to fill in tiny crevices on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Children especially benefit from the application of sealants used to protect their permanent teeth.

Please call the Novato Family Dentist to arrange your semi-annual dental cleaning and examination. Your teeth are an irreplaceable asset, so make sure you protect them with proper care.