At Shook Dental Care, we believe that prevention is key to a beautiful, healthy smile. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping our patients stay on top of their oral health with the right knowledge and tools.

Preventing dental problems before they start requires a multifaceted approach. It means that you are committed to good habits and decisions for healthy teeth and gums. It also means that you trust the right team of skilled dental professionals like the one you find in our San Pedro, CA office that can provide the right kind of care to keep oral health issues at a distance.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at what preventive dental care looks like and how it helps you achieve good oral and overall health, fully-functioning teeth, and a great smile!

The Power To Prevent Begins With YOU!

Yes, it starts with you. Maybe that sounds like pressure, but it’s actually empowering! Isn’t it great to know that you have the ability to control your oral health? It’s also a lot simpler than you might think.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush and to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Making this a part of your morning and nighttime ritual will help it become more like second nature.

Something that may help the two minute brushing recommendation is getting some kind of timer to keep near your bathroom sink. You could use a stopwatch, but that’s not very exciting.

For an option that’s a bit more engaging, try downloading a playlist you’ll enjoy full of songs that come pretty close to that two minute mark. That way when it’s time for you to brush your teeth, you can just hit play on your iTunes and know that when the song is over, it’s just about time for you to wrap it up!

Another part of the ADA’s daily oral hygiene recommendation is flossing. Dental floss is an incredibly effect and important tool in keeping those hard to reach places free from food particles and debris after you eat.

You can also prevent dental problems like tooth decay, cavities, and enamel erosion, among other things, with proper nutrition. A diet that’s low in processed refined sugars and rich in protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.

So by giving your teeth and gums about five minutes of your time each day and by eating nutritious foods, you’re already doing most of the preventive work at home for a healthy smile.

Prevention Continues With Help From The Dentist!

You also need a little reinforcement when it comes to good oral health. That’s where Dr. Shook and the rest of our team here in San Pedro can help!

We don’t just stop at dental cleanings and exams, although getting those scheduled at least twice a year is an incredibly important part of preventing dental problems. We just know that it’s even more helpful to give our patients the tools they need to succeed at the healthy mouth game.

That’s why we offer other preventive services like:

  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Fluoride Treatments
  • Athletic Mouthguards
  • Niteguards
  • Dry Mouth Treatments

These are just a few of the treatments you can take advantage of next time you pay us a visit. We want to give you the dental care you that suits your individual needs. All of the ones we’ve listed here help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, catch gum disease early, promote oral and overall wellness with information about good dietary choices, and prevent erosion from saliva deficiency and wear from teeth grinding.

Let Shook Dental Care Help YOU!

How can our team at Shook Dental Care best help you prevent dental problems before they start. Schedule an appointment to discuss your needs, address your questions and concerns, or to get a thorough cleaning and exam to help you take back control over your oral health.

Call our San Pedro, CA office today at 310-982-6333 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.