Preventative Dentistry
At Austgen Family Dental, Greenwood, IN
Protecting Your Smile for the Future
Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and avoiding future dental problems. Routine cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas beneath the gum line that daily brushing and flossing may miss. Professional cleanings are particularly important for children, as they help maintain strong, healthy teeth and establish good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
To ensure a thorough clean, dental professionals use specialized tools such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, which are far more effective at removing debris than a toothbrush and floss alone. After cleaning, the teeth are polished using a special paste and an electronic brush to remove surface stains, leaving them looking bright and refreshed.
As part of a comprehensive preventive care routine, fluoride treatment is often recommended to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Depending on your child’s needs, fluoride may be applied in-office, prescribed as a supplement, or recommended for at-home use. By investing in preventive dental care, you’re helping to ensure a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth for both you and your child. Schedule a visit today to keep your family’s smiles bright and protected!

What Is the Importance of Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent cavities in both children and adults. When the fluoride is applied to the surface of the teeth, it works by making the outer surfaces of the teeth’s enamel more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and food sources or can be topically applied as oral rinses, toothpaste, and professional treatments. A sufficient amount of fluoride is required for the developing teeth of children.
Why Are Preventative Cleanings just as Important for Adults as Well as Children?
Preventative cleanings are important for adults as well as children for a number of reasons, such as:
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- Preventative cleanings help promote good dental habits, including brushing and flossing.
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- Preventative care includes regular teeth cleanings and oral exams, usually once every six months.
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- The jaw and teeth development can be tracked with the help of routine X-rays.
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- If the need arises, sports athletes can be fitted with mouthguards.
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- If teeth are found to be crooked, you can be referred to orthodontists.
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- A dental professional will provide guidance on thumb sucking and advice on dietary habits which affect both children and adults. This will go a long way in maintaining your dental health in the long term.
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- If necessary, sealants will be used to conceal the cavities.
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- If there are any other dental needs, you can be referred to other dental specialists.
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- Any other health issues that may impact an individual’s dental health can be identified and treated.
At Austgen Family Dental, we are committed to providing top-quality dental care for patients of all ages. Call us today at (317) 885-6400 to learn more about our preventative dentistry services or schedule your appointment online.



