We have so many resources to keep our dental health in check -- here's how you can best utilize them.
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The main responsibility of preventive care falls on you! In order to reduce your chances of getting a dental disease, you have to take care of yourself. Consider the following points when it comes to your preventive dentistry program:

Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing removes dental plaque, a film-like substance that is constantly forming on your teeth. If not removed, dental plaque can build up over time and produce dental tartar, a hardened, sticky substance which harbors the acid-producing bacteria that generate tooth decay. Eventually, dental tartar will creep under the gum line, leading to gum disease as well.

Diet -- A good diet is incredibly important to your dental health. Not only do foods that contain sugars and carbohydrates feed the bacteria that produce dental plaque, but studies also show a diet low in calcium can increase your chances of ending up with periodontal disease and jaw deterioration.

Smoking and Drinking --Smoking, chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol can wreak havoc on your mouth! If the dry mouth, tooth discoloration and buildup of dental plaque aren't enough for you to want to quit smoking, consider this: Smoking causes gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer.

General dentistry is preventive dentistry, and dental exams are a necessary part of any preventive dentistry program. Because most dental problems are painless, if you're not visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you may not be aware of your condition until it causes significant damage. And if you're concerned about the cost, consider this: Preventive dentistry is less expensive than restorative treatment, which you're bound to need if you don't take care of your teeth.

Checkup and Dental Cleaning – A prophylaxis, also known as adental cleaning, appointment is recommended every six months to check for signs of tooth decay and remove dental plaque that you've missed. The dentist and dental hygienist have special tools to reduce the dental tarter and stains that you're unable to remove on your own.

X-rays – X- rays and laser technology allow dentists to look for dental conditions not visible to the naked eye, such as dental cavities between teeth and dental problems below the gum line.

Oral Cancer Screening -- Dentists will check for signs of malignancy during a dental exam. If needed, they'll conduct an oral cancer exam.

Patient Education -- Patients who understand the outcome of poor dental health are more likely to see the dentist for preventive dentistry treatments.

Patient friendly TOOTHACHE relief-- Keep your teeth instead of pulling them. Dr. Harbin pre-treats abscesses with 3 different medicines to fight infections and inflammation.  Also expect comfortable, calm abscess treatment with an emphasis on numbing anesthesia, post op painkillers, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for comfort.