Preventative Dental Care Port Allen, LA
Preventative dental care is a crucial part of maintaining optimal oral health. It encompasses various practices and treatments, from maintaining good oral hygiene to having regular dental check-ups. This practice of caring for teeth can help keep teeth healthy and prevent dental issues.
Our team at GBR Dental provides preventative dental care in Port Allen and the surrounding area. We can support you in maintaining a healthy smile. Call us today at (225) 298-9980 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Preventative Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults suffers from untreated tooth decay. The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on. Preventative dental care lowers the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. It can also help reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
Oral health is also connected to the health of the entire body. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria as well as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, including preventative dentistry, secondary problems can develop such as respiratory and heart disease.
In addition to reducing a family's risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive dental care can save money. While it may not completely eliminate treatments such as fillings, it can go a long way in reducing the need for costly services. In fact, a study by Cigna concluded that, "Customers who did not receive preventive care experienced a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period of time." This illustrates that individuals who practice regular preventive oral health care and visit their dentist as recommended achieve higher cost savings each year.
“The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on.”
When To See the Dentist
Typically, patients should have regular dental check-ups about once or twice a year. However, every patient has their own needs. Some patients may need to visit the dentist more than twice a year. The number of appointments a patient needs to maintain oral health will depend on their health, habits, and medical conditions.
People who are at high risk of dental diseases may need to schedule appointments about every three months. This includes pregnant women, diabetics, smokers, and people with gum disease, a weak immune system, or are cavity-prone. Our team can determine the optimal appointment frequency for each patient.
“The number of appointments a patient needs to maintain oral health will depend on their health, habits, and medical conditions.”
A Proper Cleaning Routine
Having a proper cleaning routine remains the most important part of preventative dental care. People must brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Brushing will remove decay-causing bacteria and debris, while flossing helps clean the tight spaces between the teeth.
Brushing and flossing can remove plaque and prevent it from developing. However, once plaque has developed into tartar, the only way to remove it is with a professional dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are a part of routine dental appointments and involve using a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between teeth.
“Brushing will remove decay-causing bacteria and debris, while flossing helps clean the tight spaces between the teeth.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Port Allen, LA
Lifestyle Choices To Promote Good Oral Health
Healthy lifestyle choices are also an important part of preventative dental care. For example, eating a healthy and balanced diet can promote good oral health and hygiene. Eating a balanced diet provides essential nutrients to promote good teeth and gum health. Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk are beneficial for oral health. We recommend limiting candies, sodas, and starchy foods that can get stuck in the mouth.
Other decisions that people can make to better their oral health include not smoking or getting oral piercings. Smoking results in more bacterial plaque, leading to gum disease. Infected gums cannot heal since smoking prevents a sufficient amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop gum disease. People should also avoid oral piercings since complications are relatively common. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral piercings can foster periodontal pathogenic bacteria and significantly increase infection risk.
“Eating a balanced diet provides essential nutrients to promote good teeth and gum health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. When should I see the dentist?
Q. What is a proper cleaning routine?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
Q. What are some preventative care options to consider?
People Also Ask
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental sealants?
Preventative Care Options To Consider
Besides routine dental check-ups and cleanings, some other preventative care options to consider are dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that act as a protective shield against debris and bacteria. Sealants are especially beneficial as a preventative measure for children to prevent cavities and decay on permanent molars.
Fluoride treatments can come in the form of gel, foam, or varnish. They strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities from forming. X-rays provide highly detailed images of the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues to prevent certain dental problems. Our team can use them to check for gum disease, examine developing teeth and surrounding structures, and look for cavities.
“Besides routine dental check-ups and cleanings, some other preventative care options to consider are dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and X-rays.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How are fluoride treatments applied?
A. Fluoride treatments can happen with a brush, cotton swab, rinse, or mouth tray. It takes about 30 minutes for teeth to absorb the fluoride treatment and repair microscopic cavities. Patients will need to refrain from eating or drinking anything during this time.
Q. Are X-rays safe?
A. Yes. While X-rays involve the use of radiation, the levels are very minimal. They are safe for both children and adults.
Q. How do dental sealants prevent cavities?
A. While brushing and flossing are essential, it is sometimes difficult to thoroughly clean the rough surfaces of some teeth. The premolars and molars are especially susceptible to decay and cavities for this reason. Dental sealants form a protective coating over rough surfaces to shield teeth from cavities and decay.
Q. Is preventative dental care important for children too?
A. Preventative dental care is very important for children. While primary teeth are not permanent, they play a significant role in the proper emergence of adult teeth. Preventative dental care can help children protect their teeth for a lifetime of good dental health.
Q. How much does preventative dental care cost?
A. The cost of preventative dental care will depend on the patient's dental insurance. Insurance plans often cover preventative dental treatments. People should contact their insurance provider for more coverage information.
Scan here to view this page, Preventative Dental Care, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Schedule Your Preventative Visit Today
If it's been some time since you've scheduled preventative dental care, call us at 225-298-9980 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- GBR Dental was established in 1983.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: West Baton Rouge Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish and Pointe Coupee Parish
- We serve patients from the following cities: Port Allen, Baton Rouge, Brusly, Addis, Plaquemine, Rosedale, Grosse Tete, Erwinville, Livonia, Maringouin, Baker, and New Roads
- National Provider Identifier Database (1598893976). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to GBR Dental on mobile
Back to top of Preventative Dental Care
Related Posts
Welcome To GBR Dental
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Port Allen, LA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures, Dental Crowns and Same Day Crowns.
When To See An Emergency Dentist: 5 Common Emergencies
An emergency dentist provides immediate care for urgent dental issues. Dental emergencies can happen anytime, often causing pain or discomfort that cannot wait for a regular appointment. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency helps patients seek the right care quickly and can prevent further complications and protect their oral health.A dental emergency calls for…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call GBR Dental on mobile