Preventive dentistry encompasses all forms of dental care that are provided to help you avoid developing tooth decay, gum disease or other dental problems that damage your smile and oral health. Preventive care is designed to help you protect, strengthen and maintain your natural teeth, keep your mouth healthy, and avoid the need for further dental treatment. The greater care taken in keeping your teeth, gums and supporting oral structures healthy, the greater your chances are of maintaining your natural teeth throughout your life.

Preventive dentistry also helps our team to diagnose conditions such as oral cancer, which affect patients with and without teeth. When these types of conditions are diagnosed in the early stages of development, treatments are often easier to provide and more likely to be successful.

Preventive dentistry includes:

• Regular dental cleanings and exams
• Home care (including recommendations about oral health products or hygiene aids)
• Dental sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Diet and nutrition (including tobacco usage and alcohol consumption)
• Checking that oral appliances and dental restorations remain in good condition

We invite you to contact our office for more information about preventive dentistry by scheduling an appointment with our hygienists and Dr. Baird. We look forward to being your partner in dental health.