Preventive Care
At Whitley Family Dental, we believe the best treatment for dental issues is to do everything possible to prevent them from happening. No matter your age, practicing good oral hygiene in between appointments can make sure your smile stays bright and healthy for years to come.
When you visit our Dallas office for your appointment, our team provides longer than industry standard appointments. This allows us to build a relationship with each patient, learn about their individualized needs, and develop custom and optimized treatment plans. During your regular hygiene appointments, we will give your teeth a deep cleaning to remove plaque that can cause cavities and other issues.
Once you are at home, it is up to you to continue making sure that your teeth and gums remain in tip-top shape.
Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities in between your appointments with Whitley Family Dental:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush paired with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue. By doing this you will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep your breath fresh! You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Flossing: Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Diet: Avoid sugary foods, sodas, and snacks whenever possible. We realize that it is unrealistic to avoid these foods altogether, so we encourage our patients to always brush after eating sugar-filled food items. Opt for eating a balanced diet whenever possible. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
- Avoidance: Avoid giving a baby a bottle and allowing them to sleep with milk on the surface of their teeth as this can lead to decay.
- Dental Sealants: Our team can apply protective plastic coatings to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
- Mouthguards: If you play sports, be sure to ask about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.
Ask us about our electric toothbrushes, water piks, specialized floss, and dry-mouth rinses at your next appointment to make your home care more effective!
At-home care, paired with visiting our Dallas office for regularly scheduled exams and cleanings gives you the best chance to avoid more serious dental issues. If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact Whitley Family Dental and schedule your next visit!
We pride ourselves on making sure our patients feel comfortable during their appointments. This includes making sure that we keep to our schedule—we know your time is precious. We also offer Apple TV in each operatory so patients can stay entertained during treatment. We strive to make our hygiene appointments as warm and welcoming as possible so you can relax while we get to work!