Preventive dentistry services include:

• Regular oral exams, usually every 6 months
• Teeth cleaning
• Routine X-rays

All of these services depend on your dental health plan and what it covers.

Preventive dental care starts with you. Developing healthy dental habits early in life can help reduce cavities, gum disease, and gingivitis. Here are the basics of good oral health:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day—usually morning and night—using a medium-textured bristled toothbrush and fluoride containing toothpaste. Your dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you. They can also instruct you on how to properly brush.
• Floss daily to get food that’s stuck between teeth before it turns to plaque.
• Use a mouthwash to rinse out food particles after flossing.
• Avoid acidic foods that can harm tooth enamel.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products—these can lead to cancer and other dental problems.
• Use a mouth guard when participating in certain sports..
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a nighttime mouth guard to help reduce gum recession.

Regular preventive dental exams provide the following benefits to your oral health:

• Lowers your risk for developing tooth decay, gum disease, and more serious dental problems.
• Helps promote good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing.
• Early identification of dental problems may help minimize treatment time and cost.
• Enables your dentist to do a full exam of your mouth, jaw, neck, etc. to identify any related problems.
• Helps reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions. Diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and eating disorders can all have an effect on dental and oral health. For people with chronic conditions, regular preventive dental care is an important part of whole person health.