25
Sep
Maintain the Highest Standard of Oral Health with Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dental care is the most cost-effective way to maintain a healthy and radiant smile. “This proactive approach to dental health involves home and professional care. Regular brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet are the foundation of good oral hygiene at home. However, preventive care continues beyond that. At Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, Drs. Terence, Casey, and Kayla Lau provide dental check-ups, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments to keep your smile healthy and vibrant.
What are the available preventive dentistry services?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums through proactive care. Our office complements your at-home preventive care with the following services.
- Regular dental check-ups: Routine check-ups allow us to detect and treat minor issues before they become painful and costly.
- Cleanings: Although you floss and brush your teeth daily, there are hidden surfaces in your mouth that your dental tools cannot reach. Our dental cleanings are thorough enough to remove plaque and tartar from all mouth surfaces.
- Dental sealants: A dental sealant is a plastic or resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth to prevent decay.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth against decay. They are painless and require a few minutes to administer.
- Oral cancer screenings: We carefully examine your oral tissues for any unusual patches, bumps, lesions, or other potential signs of oral cancer. Our thorough screenings aid in early detection, allowing us to identify the disease in its earliest and most treatable stage.
How often should I see a dentist for preventive care?
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months. However, we may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease or ongoing orthodontic treatment.
What is the role of digital X-rays in preventive dentistry?
Our visual exams are thorough and detailed, but not everything is in plain sight. Digital X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth and jaw, helping your dentist identify interproximal cavities, impacted teeth, bone loss, and other hidden problems. Our office uses modern radiographs, which provide high-quality images with minimal radiation exposure.
How can I practice preventive dental care at home?
Preventive dentistry starts at home. Observe the following tips to maintain your teeth and gums at home:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to reduce plaque buildup between teeth
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugar
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid using your teeth to bite fingernails, ice, and other hard substances
- Quit using tobacco products
Why is preventive dentistry important?
Your mouth is like your car. It’s cheaper to prevent issues than to wait to deal with them. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to detect problems early when they’re easier and more cost-effective. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar to check gum disease, bad breath, and decay.
Preventive dentistry also protects your systemic health. How? There’s a direct link between your oral and systemic health. By preventing oral problems like periodontal disease, you also reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and more. Taking care of your smile supports your entire well-being.
Does insurance cover preventive dentistry?
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services like check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. Check with your provider for specific details about your coverage.
Ready to step up your preventive dental care?
Preventive dentistry can help you take control of your oral health in Northridge, California. Call (818) 886-3500 to get started and schedule an appointment with Mid-Valley Dental Care.
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Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP
With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.
Casey Lau, DDS
Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.
Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH
Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.