Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry protects the health of your teeth through a combination of regular brushing and flossing and twice-yearly checkups. Laura Llanos, DMD, at Llanos Dental Group in Miami Lakes, Florida, works closely with each person, helping them maintain healthy teeth throughout their lifetime. If you have questions about your dental hygiene or it’s time to schedule a dental checkup, don’t wait to call the office or request an appointment online today.

Why do I need preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the key to preserving your natural teeth and preventing painful dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and infections.

You may still develop some problems. But if you do, preventive dentistry finds them at an early stage, while they can be easily treated to avoid painful complications and tooth loss.

What is my role in preventive dentistry?

To prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health, you need to:

Brush and floss twice daily

Brushing and flossing twice daily, and flossing after every meal, removes particles of food and plaque, a film made of sugar, saliva, and bacteria that sticks to your teeth.

Leaving remnants of food or sugar in your mouth leads to cavities. Plaque that isn’t removed hardens into tartar, and that’s the first step toward gum disease.

Protect your child’s dental health

Parents should clean their baby’s gums and brush their teeth as soon as they start coming in. Children can start brushing their teeth at any age, but they still need help and supervision until around age 7-8.

You should also schedule their first dental visit no later than their first birthday so Llanos Dental Group can teach them about dental hygiene, get them comfortable in the office, and start watching for potential problems.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Twice-yearly checkups find the earliest signs of problems and provide a professional teeth cleaning that removes troublesome tartar.

What office services are part of preventive dentistry?

The preventive services available at Llanos Dental Group include:

Dental exams and cleanings

Getting a dental exam every six months is the foundation of preventive dentistry. During your exam, your dental hygienist cleans your teeth and looks for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. They also screen for oral cancer.

Dental X-rays

X-rays give Dr. Llanos a close-up view of your teeth, allowing her to see problems that may not be visible during your dental exam.

Sealants and fluoride treatments

Dr. Llanos may recommend a sealant to cover the top surface of permanent molars. Sealants protect decay in the deep grooves that harbor food and bacteria. Fluoride treatments prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel.

If it’s time for your next dental checkup, call Llanos Dental Group or book an appointment online today.