Preventative Dental Care Springfield, IL
We have all heard from a young age that it is important to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. That is only one aspect of caring for the teeth and keeping them healthy. Preventative dental care also includes regular oral exams, professional cleanings, and routine X-rays along with good lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition and hygiene habits.
If it has been a while since you or your family has seen a dentist, it is time for a checkup. Preventative dentistry is available at Modern Dental of Springfield in Springfield and the surrounding area. Call us at (217) 321-4552 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Receiving preventative dental care is a proactive way to manage oral health. Rather than wait for a dental problem to develop before looking for a solution, preventative care aims to avert issues before they occur. Prevention can save patients from spending time and money on more invasive and complex dental treatments.
Preventative dental care can lower the risk of developing dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease. This can also reduce the risk of developing secondary health issues resulting from poor oral health. It can also help patients avoid expensive and more invasive dental procedures, including:
- Crowns
- Extractions
- Fillings
- Implants
- Root canals
“Rather than wait for a dental problem to develop before looking for a solution, preventative care aims to avert issues before they occur.”
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.”
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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. What other preventative services are available?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. When should I see the dentist?
Q. What is a proper cleaning routine?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
People Also Ask
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. How frequently should I get an oral cancer screening?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
Q. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental sealants?
Treatments to Consider
In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family's preventative dental care. These may include fluoride or dental sealants. These services and treatments provide another protective layer to help combat tooth decay.
Topical fluorides strengthen existing teeth, making them more decay-resistant. Many dentists provide these treatments to children under 18. For people who are predisposed to cavities or decay, a special gel for daily home use may be recommended.
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painting on the chewing surface of teeth. They shield the teeth from food debris and bacteria responsible for cavities. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then the sealant is applied. It is hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light to fuse it to the teeth. The entire process takes less than an hour.
“In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family’s preventative dental care.”
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.
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Dental Terminology
Schedule Your Preventative Visit Today
If it's been some time since you've scheduled preventative dental care, call us at 217-321-4552 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Modern Dental of Springfield was established in 2001.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Sangamon County, Morgan County and Logan County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Springfield, Curran, Chatham, Southern View, Grandview, Rochester, Jacksonville and Lincoln
- National Provider Identifier Database (1083793939). View NPI Registry Information
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