Preventative Dental Care in Aventura, FL

Protect your smile with preventative dental care. With over 40 years of experience, we focus on early detection, professional cleanings, and personalized guidance to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

We have all heard from a young age that it is important to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. That is only one aspect of caring for the teeth and keeping them healthy. Preventative dental care also includes regular oral exams, professional cleanings, and routine X-rays along with good lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition and hygiene habits.

If it has been a while since you or your family has seen a dentist, it is time for a checkup. Preventative dentistry is available at Haratz Dental in Aventura and the surrounding area. Call us at (786) 433-5232 to schedule an appointment.

Satisfied African American woman using mirror while checking her teeth after appointment at dentist's office.

The Importance of
Preventative Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults suffers from untreated tooth decay. The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on. Preventative dental care lowers the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. It can also help reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.

Oral health is also connected to the health of the entire body. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria as well as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, including preventative dentistry, secondary problems can develop such as respiratory and heart disease.

In addition to reducing a family's risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive dental care can save money. While it may not completely eliminate treatments such as fillings, it can go a long way in reducing the need for costly services. In fact, a study by Cigna concluded that, "Customers who did not receive preventive care experienced a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period of time." This illustrates that individuals who practice regular preventive oral health care and visit their dentist as recommended achieve higher cost savings each year.

"The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on."

Meet Our Doctors

Our philosophy is simple: treat every patient with care, knowledge, and love. We’re here to build a long-term relationship with you and your family.
Trust
Knowledge
Long-Term Care
Family Feel

Dr. Adela Haratz

Over 40 years creating beautiful smiles. A pioneering aesthetic and scientific authority in dental artistry.

Dr. Michael Mya

A North Miami Beach native dedicated to providing excellent dental care to his community.

Dr. Matthew Rand

“My passion is creating bright new smiles for patients of all ages.”
We speak your language: English, Spanish & Hebrew

Visit the Dentist
Regularly

Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately. Typically, dental visits are recommended twice a year. However, the American Dental Association recommends that the dentist determine just how often someone needs to be seen based on the patient's current oral health status, and medical and history.

Personalized oral care is vital for good dental health. Family members at high risk for dental problems may benefit from more frequent visits while someone at low risk for dental problems may see the same benefits from fewer trips to the dentist. Our dentist will help determine any potential risk factors and how many follow up appointments are appropriate.

"Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them immediately."

The Ins and Outs of a
Dental Cleaning

A routine dental cleaning represents a major component of preventative dentistry. It is also a good time to find out if there are teeth that could use additional attention while brushing or flossing. These appointments typically include a regular checkup with our dentist to examine the teeth, look for signs of oral cancer, and take any necessary X-rays.

A basic dental cleaning includes a physical exam of the entire mouth, which involves using a small mirror to check around the teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation or other concerns. Our staff will then use small scraping tools to remove plaque and tartar from around the gum line and between the teeth. This is followed by a thorough tooth cleaning using a high-powered electric brush and dental flossing. Patients will have their mouth flushed with water as needed throughout the cleaning process.

Deep cleanings use special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar and bacteria below the gum line and down to the roots of the teeth. This type of cleaning helps prevent gum disease from advancing and causing tooth loss. Antibiotics, either in an oral form or as a gel or rinse, may be prescribed to help fight bacteria. As this type of cleaning goes below the gum line, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums.

"A routine dental cleaning is a major component of preventative dentistry."

Making the Right
Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family's dental health. From poor sleep to smoking and piercings, many personal decisions can harm oral health. Using tobacco inhibits your mouth's natural healing properties and makes you more likely to experience dental disease, while the hardware used in piercings in the lips, cheeks or tongue can cause gum recession and chipped teeth.

A healthy diet can also prevent dental issues down the road. A diet lacking in certain nutrients may make it more difficult for tissues in the mouth to resist infection, which can contribute to gum disease. This is a major contributor to tooth loss in adults.

It is best to limit the intake of excess sugar. Sugar is the bacteria's food of choice and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many foods and drinks packed with sugar are also acidic, which can break down a tooth's protective enamel. Drink plenty of water and eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. The vitamins and minerals provided in such foods assist with oral health.

"Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on a family's dental health."

Treatments to
Consider

In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family's preventative dental care. These may include fluoride or dental sealants. These services and treatments provide another protective layer to help combat tooth decay.

Topical fluorides strengthen existing teeth, making them more decay-resistant. Many dentists provide these treatments to children under 18. For people who are predisposed to cavities or decay, a special gel for daily home use may be recommended.

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painting on the chewing surface of teeth. They shield the teeth from food debris and bacteria responsible for cavities. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then the sealant is applied. It is hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light to fuse it to the teeth. The entire process takes less than an hour.

"In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, a dentist may suggest other services to assist with a family's preventative dental care."

Insurance & Financing Options

We accept most PPO insurance plans including Delta, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry, plus our in-house membership plan.
Delta Dental
Aetna
Cigna
MetLife
Humana
CareCredit

Quality Dental Services Can
Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Preventative Dentistry FAQ
Preventative Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry FAQ

Everything you need to know about keeping your teeth and gums healthy at Haratz Dental

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Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign

For a limited time, Haratz Dental is offering $1,000 off Invisalign treatment. Individuals who start together save even more — each person receives an additional $250 off when two patients begin treatment at the same time.

New to Haratz Dental?

Take advantage of our $79 New Patient Special and experience the quality, compassionate care our Aventura patients love.