Preventive Dentistry
Maintain your healthy smile with our comprehensive preventive dental services.
The Foundation of Dental Health
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining good oral health by preventing dental issues before they start or catching them in their earliest stages. At Navarro Dental Care, we believe that preventive care is the cornerstone of a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Our comprehensive approach to preventive dentistry combines professional care in our office with guidance on maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home. This partnership between you and our dental team is the most effective way to ensure your continued dental health.
The Benefits of Preventive Dental Care
Investing in preventive dental care offers numerous advantages for your oral and overall health:
- Prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues
- Detects dental problems early when they're easier to treat
- Saves time and money by avoiding extensive dental procedures
- Promotes overall health by maintaining good oral hygiene
Our Preventive Dental Services
We offer a comprehensive range of preventive treatments to keep your smile healthy.
Regular Dental Exams
Comprehensive evaluations to detect signs of dental problems early, including visual inspection, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screening.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Removal of plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can't reach, followed by polishing to remove surface stains.
Dental Sealants
Protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay in the pits and grooves where food and bacteria can collect.
Fluoride Treatments
Application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay, especially beneficial for children and those at high risk for cavities.
Custom Mouthguards
Protective devices designed to fit your teeth precisely, safeguarding against injuries during sports or damage from teeth grinding at night.
Oral Hygiene Education
Personalized instruction on proper brushing, flossing, and other oral care techniques to maintain your dental health between visits.
Preventive Care for Every Age
We tailor our preventive approach to meet the unique needs of patients at different life stages.
Children
Setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health starts in childhood. Our pediatric preventive services include:
- Gentle dental exams and cleanings
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen developing teeth
- Dental sealants to protect cavity-prone molars
- Monitoring dental development
- Fun, age-appropriate oral hygiene education
- Sports mouthguards for active children
Adults
Maintaining oral health during busy adult years requires consistent care. Our adult preventive services include:
- Comprehensive dental exams and cleanings
- Digital X-rays to detect hidden issues
- Oral cancer screenings
- Gum disease prevention and treatment
- Custom nightguards for bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Guidance on managing work stress impacts on oral health
Seniors
Aging brings unique oral health challenges that require specialized preventive care. Our senior preventive services include:
- Specialized exams focusing on age-related concerns
- Monitoring for medication side effects on oral health
- Thorough oral cancer screenings
- Root surface cavity prevention
- Dry mouth management strategies
- Denture care and maintenance
Home Care Tips for Optimal Dental Health
Complement your professional preventive care with these essential home practices.
Proper Brushing Technique
Brush for two minutes, twice daily, using soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use gentle, circular motions.
Daily Flossing
Floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently move it up and down.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria, strengthen enamel, and reach areas missed by brushing and flossing. Look for ADA-approved products.
Balanced Diet
Limit sugary foods and beverages that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Choose tooth-friendly foods like crunchy vegetables, dairy products, and water to support dental health.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Don't use your teeth as tools, avoid chewing on ice or hard candies, and quit smoking and tobacco use, which increases risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Regular Dental Visits
Keep your scheduled dental checkups and cleanings every six months, or as recommended by your dentist, to maintain optimal oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about preventive dentistry.
How often should I have a dental checkup and cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months. However, some patients may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs, risk factors, or history of dental disease. We'll help determine the ideal schedule for your specific situation during your examination.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. Modern digital X-rays use very low doses of radiation—up to 90% less than traditional film X-rays. Additionally, we take precautions such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars to minimize exposure. The diagnostic benefits of X-rays far outweigh the minimal risks, as they help us detect issues not visible during a visual examination.
At what age should children start seeing the dentist?
Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts. Early dental visits help familiarize children with the dental office, establish good oral hygiene habits, and allow us to monitor dental development and address any concerns early.
What happens during a routine dental checkup?
A routine dental checkup typically includes updating your medical history, examining your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of disease or abnormalities, taking necessary X-rays, professionally cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar, polishing to remove surface stains, fluoride treatment if needed, and providing personalized oral hygiene instructions and dietary advice.
Explore Our Preventive Services
Learn more about our specific preventive dental treatments.
Invest in Your Smile's Future
Schedule your preventive dental appointment today and take a proactive approach to your oral health.