Preventive Dentistry

The best way to keep your teeth looking great for a lifetime is routine preventive care. Dr. Bailey and our friendly team of professionals have extensive knowledge and training to care for your oral health. Quality preventive dental care, like the care Dr. Bailey provides, will lay the foundation for a lifetime of attractive smiles and healthy teeth.

We recommend a dental checkup every six months during which we will clean and examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and neck. If there is anything amiss, we will devise a treatment plan to help prevent more serious problems that can occur in the future if current issues are left untreated. Preventive dentistry can potentially save you money and stress down the road. If it has been over 6 months since we've seen you, it's time to schedule an appointment!

Preventive Dental Services in Fredericksburg, VA

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that helps prevent tooth decay and repair teeth. At North River Dental Care, our fluoride treatments are a much higher concentration than you would see in toothpaste or other over-the-counter fluoride options such as mouthwash. In the past, getting a professional fluoride treatment involved wearing awkward foam trays for up to 5 minutes and not being able to eat afterwards. We use a form of fluoride treatment that is applied directly to the enamel of your teeth, has been shown to be even more effective than older methods, takes less than a minute to apply, and allows you to eat and drink right away!

Sealants to Prevent Tooth Decay

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes. Practicing good brushing habits can be particularly challenging for kids, but also for some adults. But even the best of brushers may not be able to fully clean the deep grooves on the surface of back teeth. This leads to a buildup of bacteria, plaque formation, and eventually results in tooth decay.

Luckily, there is a great preventive step you can take to help protect your teeth more than brushing alone can do. Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to your teeth to reduce the risk of cavity formation. Sealants are especially beneficial for children because they are most prone to cavities at a younger age, but can be great for adults too. Sealants will last a long time and help keep teeth healthy and strong. Want to learn more about how sealants work? Visit our Family Dentistry page.

Night Guards & Mouthguards

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, not only can it cause expensive and painful damage to your teeth, it could also lead to headaches and sore muscles in your jaw, neck, and upper back. Our custom-designed night guards are small and comfortable to wear while you sleep, protecting your teeth from the harmful effects of clenching and grinding. For patients who are involved in sports like football, soccer, and wrestling, our office also provides custom athletic mouthguards. Athletic mouthguards can drastically reduce a patient's chances of needing restorative dental care or an emergency dental visit when they are worn during practices and games.

Gum Therapy

Gum disease occurs when bacteria build up around the area where your teeth and gums meet. If left untreated, gum disease will only get worse and can eventually lead to tooth loss. If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed when you brush, you may have disease of the gum or even the surrounding bone. Our gum therapy will clean around your gums, removing the bacteria that is causing infection. If you think you might be suffering from gum disease or just need a gum checkup, contact Dr. Bailey of North River Dental Care for an appointment.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is far more treatable if it is caught early, so we make a point to check for any abnormalities in the mouth during each preventive examination. Dr. Bailey will thoroughly examine your gums, cheeks, tongue, neck, and jaw so you can have the peace of mind knowing that your oral health is in good condition. While no single oral screening eliminates the risks associated with oral cancer, Dr. Bailey can identify early signs of mouth cancer and evaluate other potential risk factors to determine the best course of action for you. This may include a referral to a specialist.

If you have questions about any of the preventive dental services we provide or need to schedule an appointment, our team is happy to help you. Give us a call at (540) 369-4939 or fill out a contact form here.