Preventive Dentistry

Healthy Smiles Start with Prevention

Protect your teeth before problems begin with regular cleanings, checkups, and early care. Our preventive approach keeps your smile strong, bright, and cavity-free for years to come.

Scaling and Polishing

Your First Step Toward a Healthier Smile

Routine scaling and polishing—commonly known as professional dental cleaning—is a cornerstone of preventive dentistry. This simple yet effective procedure removes harmful plaque, tartar, and stains, helping you maintain a bright smile and healthy gums.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Oral Examination

Your dentist or hygienist begins by inspecting your teeth and gums for signs of decay, inflammation, or other issues.

Scaling (Plaque & Tartar Removal)

  • Manual Scaling: Using specialized hand tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and gumlines.
  • Ultrasonic Scaling: A gentle vibrating device with a cooling mist breaks down hardened deposits for thorough cleaning.

Polishing

A soft rubber cup and polishing paste are used to smooth tooth surfaces and remove stains—leaving your teeth shiny and clean.

Flossing

Professional flossing removes debris and plaque between teeth for a complete clean.

Fluoride Treatment (Optional)

A fluoride gel or varnish may be applied to strengthen enamel and provide added protection against cavities.

Benefits Of Scaling & Polishing

How Often Should You Get A Cleaning?

At-Home Oral Care Tips

Small Treatment. Big Protection

A few minutes of fluoride care today can prevent major dental issues tomorrow. Ask your dentist if fluoride treatment is right for you.

Schedule a Visit

Fluoride Treatments

Protecting Teeth, Strengthening Smiles

Fluoride treatment is a powerful preventive solution in dentistry that helps rebuild weakened enamel, fight cavities, and reduce sensitivity. It’s a safe, quick, and effective way to safeguard your oral health at every age.

What is Fluoride and How Does it Work?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel by enhancing the process of remineralization and reducing the impact of acids produced by plaque and bacteria.

How Fluoride Helps

  • Rebuilds enamel: Strengthens weak spots on teeth before they become cavities.
  • Prevents decay: Makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
  • Fights bacteria: Inhibits acid production in the mouth.

Types of Fluoride in Dentistry

  1. 1. Topical Fluoride
    • Applied directly to the teeth (toothpaste, rinse, gels, or varnishes).
    • Offers immediate, surface-level protection.
  2. 2. Systemic Fluoride
    • Ingested through fluoridated water or supplements.
    • Strengthens developing teeth from within.

Professional Fluoride Treatment: What to Expect

  1. 1. Cleaning
    • Teeth are first cleaned to remove plaque and tartar.
  2. 2. Application Methods
    • Varnish: A sticky fluoride coating brushed onto teeth.
    • Gel or Foam: Placed in trays and applied for 1–4 minutes.
    • Rinse: A professional fluoride mouthwash may be used.
  3. 3. Post-Treatment Instructions
    • Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to allow optimal fluoride absorption.

Who Should Get Fluoride Treatments?

  • Children: To protect and strengthen developing teeth.

Adults with:

  • Frequent cavities or a history of tooth decay
  • Gum disease or exposed roots
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia) from medication
  • Braces, crowns, or bridges

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Recommended Frequency

At-Home Fluoride Care Tips

Small Treatment. Big Protection

A few minutes of fluoride care today can prevent major dental issues tomorrow. Ask your dentist if fluoride treatment is right for you.

Schedule a Visit

Oral Exams and Cancer Screening

Your First Line of Defense Against Oral Diseases

Routine dental exams are not just about checking for cavities—they're essential for detecting early signs of oral cancer and other serious health issues. With regular screenings, dentists can identify abnormalities before symptoms become severe, helping to save lives through early intervention.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Every dental check-up includes a thorough screening for oral cancer. Dentists examine your mouth, gums, tongue, lips, throat, and neck for early warning signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

What Dentists Look For

  • Red or white patches in the mouth (leukoplakia or erythroplakia)
  • Lumps or swelling in oral tissues
  • Sores that don’t heal within two weeks
  • Chronic mouth pain or difficulty swallowing/chewing
  • Unexplained bleeding

Common Risk Factors

Certain habits and conditions increase the risk of oral cancer. During your exam, dentists consider the following:

  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • HPV infection (especially HPV-16)
  • Sun exposure (for lip cancer)
  • Age (40+ years)
  • Family history of cancer

Management & Follow-Up

If oral cancer is diagnosed, your dental team stays involved throughout the treatment journey:

  • Coordinate with oncologists and surgeons
  • Help manage oral side effects of chemotherapy or radiation (like dry mouth or mouth sores )
  • Support with oral rehabilitation, including prosthetics or functional restoration post-surgery

Diagnostic Techniques Used

Dentists’ Role in Prevention & Support

Small Treatment. Big Protection

A few minutes of fluoride care today can prevent major dental issues tomorrow. Ask your dentist if fluoride treatment is right for you.

Schedule a Visit

FAQ’s

  1. Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health through regular checkups, cleanings, and early treatments to avoid dental issues before they arise.

  2. Checkups help detect cavities, gum disease, and other issues early—often before symptoms appear—making treatment easier and less costly.

  3. It’s recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months, or as advised by your dentist based on your oral health needs.

  4. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay, especially in children and teens.

  5. Absolutely. Preventive care is essential at all ages to avoid tooth loss, gum disease, and expensive dental procedures later on.

  6. Yes. Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate.

  7. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It’s often included in toothpaste and professional treatments.

  8. A balanced diet low in sugar supports healthy teeth and gums. Acidic and sugary foods increase the risk of cavities and erosion.

  9. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Check with your provider for specifics.

  10. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a healthy diet, avoid tobacco, and follow your dentist’s advice.