The Importance Of Preventive Care

The Importance Of Preventive Care

How your family dentists in Charlotte, NC, can help you take care of your smile

Did you know that a healthy smile can help protect your body too? It’s true. In fact, an unhealthy mouth has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious medical conditions. Dr. Susan A. Hockaday and Dr. Jim P. Baucom at Hockaday & Baucom in Charlotte, NC, offer a wide range of dental services including preventive care to help keep your smile healthy.

Dental disease begins with plaque, which contains millions of harmful bacteria which can cause gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. The goal of preventive care is to remove plaque deposits as frequently and thoroughly as you can, which controls the amount of bacteria attacking your smile. Controlling the bacteria helps prevent dental and oral diseases.

You can do a lot to prevent gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth decay by practicing excellent oral hygiene. You should:

  • Brush after meals and before bed, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride; brush in a gentle circular motion, covering all the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Many people find it helpful to use an electric or sonic toothbrush.
  • Floss at least once each day; make a “C” shape around each tooth by wrapping the floss around the widest part of each tooth as you go in between teeth. Floss between each tooth using this wrapping technique. Many people find it helpful to use floss picks.
  • Visit your family dentist at least once each year for a comprehensive dental exam including x-rays; your family dentist will check for any small dental issues and treat them before they can grow into large dental problems.

Visit your dental hygienist for a professional dental cleaning at least once every six months, and more often if you have periodontal disease. Your dental hygienist can help prevent gum and periodontal disease and provide you with all the latest tricks and tools to keep your smile healthy.

Preventive care is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your smile. To find out more about preventive care and other dental services, call Dr. Susan A. Hockaday and Dr. Jim P. Baucom at Hockaday & Baucom in Charlotte, NC, at (704) 553-2348 today!