Preventive Dental Care in Chapel Hill, NC

Preventive dentistry includes the steps necessary to maintain your little one’s oral health and avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth enamel damage, and other common dental issues. 

At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, our top priority is providing the best pediatric dental and orthodontic care in Chapel Hill. Schedule an appointment now!

A large bin full of travel size Crest Pro Health toothpastes.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

It takes some simple steps to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. During your appointment, our experts will give your child the tools to take care of their smile. We will create a maintenance plan that includes education on proper hygiene habits and regular cleaning appointments. 

The combination of at-home and in-office care is among the best ways to avoid long-term dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your kid’s teeth healthy will regular teeth cleaning will help prevent the need for fillings and extractions. 

Education on healthy dental habits, regular treatment, and tooth and gum maintenance are vital parts of preventive dentistry that can be taught at any age. Let’s look at how you and your family can benefit from preventive dentistry!

What Does Preventive Dentistry Involve?

Preventive dentistry builds habits essential for keeping your smile and your body healthy.
Recommended
teeth cleaning habits include:

a cartoon image of a person brushing their teeth with a toothbrush

Brushing daily

Brushing twice a day with ADA (American Dental Association) approved fluoride toothpaste is one of the keys to keeping your smile healthy. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease. It’s also important to brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh. 

A diagram of how to floss teeth properly.

Flossing daily

Flossing at least once a day is critical to removing food particles and plaque between your teeth. Patients with braces can use floss threaders or other aids to help clean under the wires and between brackets.

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Visiting the Dentist

Visiting your dentist at least once a year for your kid’s dental cleaning will help prevent serious dental issues. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a the dentist twice per year or every 6 months with cleanings at the same interval. You should make more frequent appointments if you are at an increased risk for dental problems.

a person holding a heart shaped plate of fruits and vegetables

Eating a balanced diet

Eating healthy foods can protect your teeth and keep your mind and body in good shape. Your teeth need vitamins, nutrients, and plenty of water to stay strong. Limiting sugary foods and beverages will reduce your risk for cavities and other health issues.

Benefits of Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care is essential for preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Avoiding these dental problems can also reduce your risk of experiencing other health issues associated with poor dental health, including:

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Reduce Your Child’s Risk Of:
  • Diabetes
  • Heart problems
  • Cancer
  • Osteoporosis
  • Premature birth
  • Low birthweight

Keeping your teeth and body in healthy condition can also save you money. Treatments and interventions such as fillings, extractions, root canals, and dental implants can be expensive. If you practice preventive dentistry, you may still need these treatments, but the chances drop significantly with proper hygiene.

Who Needs Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is for everyone. Children can learn healthy routines that can last a lifetime. These easy steps increase the strength of their teeth and avoid costly treatments.

Protect Your Teeth with Preventive Dental Care in Chapel Hill

The team at Clifton & Mauney is proud to provide the top pediatric and preventive dentistry in Chapel Hill! Our friendly and experienced team takes every measure to ensure your children  have healthy smiles. Read what our customers have to say and contact us today to schedule an appointment.