Preventive Dental Care

Preventive Dental Care: Why an Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

At some point, you have probably heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to preventative dental care.

Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining oral health and protecting your teeth from damage and decay . Daily brushing and flossing is vital, but home care alone is not enough. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to catch dental problems early, before they become difficult to treat.

Why Preventive Dental Care Is Important

In between brushing sessions, a film composed of bacteria and other substances called plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which is too hard to be removed at home with a toothbrush. Over time, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing, tartar will accumulate on the surface of your teeth until it is removed by a professional cleaning.

If tartar begins to develop below your gum line, bacteria can infiltrate this area and cause gum disease and inflammation. Bacteria trapped between your teeth can also begin to eat away the enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay. For this reason, the surfaces under your gum line and between your teeth need to be examined and cleaned on a regular basis. In fact, the American Dental Association suggests that you schedule an appointment with your dental hygienist and dentist every 6 months. Some people with an increased genetic tendency to gum disease may need to have their teeth cleaned even more often.

Dental Hygienists and Preventative Care

Our dentists and dental hygienists work together to eliminate tartar build-up from your teeth and help you maintain a picture-perfect, radiant smile.

Our dentists and dental hygienists perform the following duties:
Scraping tartar and removing tartar deposits
Cleaning teeth
Taking X-rays
Identifying changes in your bite (occlusion)
Setting up nitrous oxide to keep patients calm and comfortable during unpleasant dental procedures
Placing sealants
Giving home care instructions on the best techniques for taking care of your mouth
Giving nutritional advice on eating healthy foods that minimize tooth decay
Making sports guards to protect teeth while involved in athletic events
Working with our dental hygienists, Dr. Calvo and Dr. Johnson perform in-depth examinations to spot gum disease and tooth decay and administer any necessary treatments.

The secret to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is to be diligent about oral hygiene and Preventative  Dental Care. At Smile Studio LA, we are committed to prevention. We offer everything from general preventative care like regular cleanings and exams to specific solutions like night guards and sports guards.

Our preventative care includes:
Teeth Cleaning
Patient Education
Home Care Review
Periodontal Chartings
Diagnostic Services
Oral Cancer Screenings
Fluoride Treatments
Dental Sealants
Breath Treatments

SMILE STUDIO LA,  16311 Ventura Boulevard Encino, California 91436  (818) 906-4238

For more information about our preventive dental care services, contact our dental team today!