What Counts as Preventive Dental Care — and Why It Matters

When most people hear “preventive dental care,” they think of cleanings and checkups. And yes — that’s part of it. But the bigger picture is about protecting your smile and catching small changes before they become big problems. At Beaufort Center for Dentistry in Beaufort, SC, Dr. Louis Costa III and his team build preventive visits around your whole health, not just your teeth.

Cleanings, Checkups, and a Whole-Health Approach

At a preventive visit, your teeth are cleaned, your gums are evaluated, and any early signs of trouble are identified. But at Beaufort Center for Dentistry, Dr. Louis Costa III also looks at how your oral health fits into your overall health.

This includes checking blood pressure — not just for procedure readiness, but as an important screening tool. Elevated blood pressure can affect how certain treatments or medications are handled, including the use of anesthetics with epinephrine. Identifying concerns early helps ensure care is both safe and personalized.

For patients with diabetes, discussions may include A1C levels, since blood sugar control is closely linked to gum health and healing. The team also watches for signs of dry mouth, which can be caused by medications or medical conditions and can increase cavity risk and discomfort.

If signs of clenching or grinding are present, a custom nightguard may be recommended. These are professionally made to fit your bite and protect teeth and jaw joints more effectively than over-the-counter options.

Cleanings That Reach What You Can’t at Home

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas — especially along the gumline and between back teeth. Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that can’t be eliminated at home.

This reduces gum inflammation and supports healthier tissues, which is important because chronic inflammation has been linked to broader health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease.

Why Early Detection Makes a Difference

Many dental issues don’t cause pain right away. Cavities, gum disease, bite changes, and jaw strain often develop quietly. Preventive visits allow these changes to be identified early, when treatment is typically simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective.

Wear patterns can reveal nighttime grinding, dry mouth can signal an increased risk of decay, and subtle gum changes can indicate inflammation long before symptoms appear. Preventive care connects those dots before problems escalate.

Added Protection When You Need It

Some preventive treatments provide extra support for teeth and gums that need it:

Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and are especially helpful for patients with sensitivity or early decay.

Sealants create a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.

Custom nightguards protect teeth and restorations from damage caused by grinding or clenching and help reduce jaw strain. Custom mouthguards provide a cushion to protect teeth from damage during sports.

These options are non-invasive, efficient, and designed to preserve long-term oral health. Even more, many preventive treatments are fully covered by insurance, and an easy, cost-effective way to save money in the long run.

What Counts as Preventive Dental Care — Beaufort Center for Dentistry in Beaufort, SC

Preventive dental care is more than a routine cleaning. It’s a comprehensive look at your oral health and how it connects to your overall well-being. From professional cleanings to early detection and personalized recommendations, Dr. Louis Costa III and the team at Beaufort Center for Dentistry help patients stay ahead of dental issues before they disrupt comfort, time, or budget.

If it’s been a while since your last visit — or if you’ve noticed dry mouth, bleeding gums, or signs of nighttime grinding — call Beaufort Center for Dentistry in Beaufort, SC to schedule your preventive appointment. Small steps now can protect your smile for years to come.

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Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care