Pay Request Request Appointment Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Map View our Map

Preventive Dentistry – Baltimore, MD

Stop Common Oral Health Problems in Their Tracks

At Baltimore Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to keeping our patients’ smiles healthy throughout their entire lives. That’s why we focus on providing thorough preventive dental treatments like routine checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings. With regular visits for preventive dentistry in our Baltimore, MD dental office, we aim to keep your smile cavity and gum disease-free so you can continue enjoying your natural, healthy teeth.

Dental treatment room for preventive dentistry in Baltimore

Why Choose Baltimore Dental Arts for Preventive Dentistry?

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleaning

Dental team member performing dental checkup and teeth cleaning

The American Dental Association recommends getting a checkup and cleaning from your dentist every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During these appointments, our team will conduct a thorough visual and tactile examination of your mouth in search of any early signs of developing problems, like dental decay. If we spot anything, we’ll develop a treatment plan to take care of it before it has an opportunity to get worse. Before you leave, we’ll thoroughly clear all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, polish them, and floss between each of them to remove any lingering debris.

Learn More About Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleaning

Oral Cancer Screening

Woman receiving oral cancer screening

Many patients aren’t aware that we also conduct oral cancer screenings at each of your checkups and cleanings. That’s because these only last about five minutes. We’ll thoroughly inspect your lips, throat, and oral tissues for any signs or the disease, such as red and white patches in the mouth. If we spot anything out-of-the-ordinary, we’ll refer you for a biopsy and additional testing. Our goal in providing you with routine screenings is to spot the issue before it has a chance to progress, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Fluoride Treatment

Child receiving fluoride treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is produced by rocks and found in fresh vegetables and water. It’s also added to oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash as well. That’s because it can help strengthen your enamel to prevent dental decay. If you’re not receiving enough of this important mineral, we may suggest a fluoride treatment. It’s fast, simple, and is a great way to protect your pearly whites from the threat of cavities.

Nightguards for Grinding

Clear nightguard on metal tray

Do you wake up with sore jaw joints or a pounding headache? These could be signs that you have a condition called bruxism, which is when you grind and clench your teeth as you sleep. When left unaddressed, bruxism can result in broken, chipped, and worn-down teeth that may put you at a higher risk of developing other oral health problems, like tooth infections. We craft custom-fitted nightguards that help shield and protect your teeth from nightly grinding to keep your smile healthy and undamaged.

Learn More

Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguards

Nightguards

Although there are plenty of choices for nightguards available online and at your local pharmacy, professional nightguards from your dentist are custom-made, and as a result are much more comfortable and effective. Although many of those ‘boil-and-bite’ guards claim to be customizable, and may even fit your teeth perfectly, flaws or discrepancies created when personalizing them often result in uneven jaw positioning, worsening your pain and creating more problems than they solve!

The Process of Getting a Nightguard

A man getting a nightguard made by a dentist

Getting a professional nightguard in Baltimore is a simple process that begins with a consultation at Baltimore Dental Arts. At this visit, we will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw and carefully examine the condition of your teeth. Then, we’ll have a discussion of your symptoms, including any pain, stiffness, or other issues you may be experiencing due to bruxism. Next, your dental team will take some comfortable digital impressions, and send them off to our trusted dental lab, where your nightguard will be custom made to your exact measurements.

In a few weeks, your finished nightguard will be sent to our office, and we’ll invite you back to try it on. If it feels good, you’ll be free to begin wearing it immediately, and asked to come back and visit us in a few weeks to ensure it’s working correctly.

The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard for Bruxism

A woman holding a nightguard

There are many benefits to getting a nightguard in Baltimore, especially when it comes to your oral health.

Because these devices were designed to absorb the impact of pressure from your jaw, they can prevent damage and premature wear on your teeth, all the while alleviating and preventing jaw pain. If you suffer from frequent headaches and muscle tension, they may even be able to help stop that, too, and although they’re not orthodontic devices, they may even provide some minor bite alignment benefits.

Caring for Your Nightguard

A woman brushing her nightguard with a toothbrush

Thankfully, caring for your nightguard is a breeze!  To keep it looking and feeling its best so it lasts for as long as possible, be sure to take excellent care of it with the following best practices:

  • Be sure to rinse off your nightguard before and after each use with warm water.
  • Allow your nightguard to air dry in the case provided by your dentist and store the case in a safe place away from pets and small children.
  • To clean your nightguard, carefully brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented hand soap and rinse well.
More to Explore

I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Need Periodontal Treatment I Want to Enhance My Smile I Have Head/Neck/Jaw Pain I am Afraid of the Dentist I am in Pain & Need Help View Our Services