Do you have dental benefits? If so, preventive procedures are likely covered in your plan. Make sure you use them – they’ll keep you smiling long after that trip to the dentist.

See your dentist regularly.
Most plans cover dental exams and cleanings every 6 months. This way your dentist can routinely monitor the health of your mouth. During this exam, you may also receive x-rays. Typically, an office will begin with a full mouth x-ray, which is recommended once every three years. They’ll then follow up with bitewing x-rays annually. Check your plan for specific details.

If you have kids, ask your dentist about a child-specific preventive procedure — sealants. Sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities, and are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, or molars.

Another beneficial preventive treatment for kids is fluoride. Generally applied as a gel or varnish, fluoride is often called, “nature’s cavity fighter.”

Follow these tips to remain healthy and help save dental costs:

• See a dentist regularly

• Brush your teeth twice each day and floss once a day

• Eat a healthy diet

• Drink plenty of water

• Limit snacking on sugary or starchy foods (chewing sugarless gum after a snack may help prevent tooth decay)

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help you avoid more serious dental health problems down the road.