You are familiar with the old proverb, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In no area of life is this more true than dental health. A big part of that equation is personal habit: brushing at least twice a day (if not after every meal) for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly. There is another element, however, and that involves regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and treatment.  Taking advantage of preventive dental service Miami beach FL today means less drilling and filling later on.

Your Part in Dental Health

You’ve probably heard it all your life, especially during health classes in school, but it bears repeating: daily brushing and flossing is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  While brushing in the morning and at night is helpful, brushing after eating anything is ideal. Some people actually carry a travel toothbrush around with them for this very reason. Even if you don’t have a dentifrice with you, just using plain water can make a tremendous difference.

Flossing at least once per day is also a good idea for removing tiny bits of food that get stuck between teeth that a toothbrush can miss. Your dentist may also recommend using a dental rinse.

Your Dentist’s Role

The main reason for getting regular dental exams is that most problems are easily treated if caught in the early stages. For example, tooth decay: if detected in the early stages, a dentist can correct the problem easily and relatively painlessly.

Your dentist can also offer fluoride treatments. Applying a fluoride gel or varnish can help to strengthen tooth enamel (the outer layer) and fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Some people are predisposed to cavities, either because of genetics, illness, or side effects of medication. If you are in this category, fluoride treatments are essential.