Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dental care is pivotal to your overall health — it is the best way to protect you from major dental complications. Care starts at home with daily brushing and flossing, and is reinforced at Turnagain Dental with thorough, friendly, evidence-based prevention.

Preventative care is important at every age. For children, it lets permanent teeth grow in strong and healthy. For adults, it helps you keep your natural teeth and avoid replacing failing ones with restorations. Prevention saves money, avoids pain, and skips the anxiety associated with surgery or other significant dental treatments.

What Does Preventative Dentistry Prevent?

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss caused by gum disease
• Jawbone deterioration and an aged facial appearance
• Bad breath from food and bacteria trapped in the mouth
• Expensive and intrusive dental care down the line
• A crooked and unattractive smile
• A dysfunctional and painful bite
• Severe toothache due to decay or infection
• Extremely worn teeth

Experts now link the health of the mouth to overall health and well-being. Poor oral health has been associated with heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer, and even premature or low-birth-weight babies. Good preventative habits also protect your wallet — avoiding costly root canals, fillings and tooth replacements.

Healthy Gums

The health of the gums is as important as the health of the teeth. Our team can help you avoid gum disease through special preventative measures. Periodontal disease ravages the gums and threatens the structures that hold teeth in place — we do everything we can to prevent it and detect it in its earliest stages.

Preventative Care Procedures

Diagnostic Exams and Cleanings

Even with great hygiene, bacteria can find a way to damage your smile. Dr. Kennedy looks for indications of issues so he can provide treatment before problems grow, and our team uses advanced tools to remove the most stubborn bacteria.

Oral Hygiene Education

Our dental professionals will answer any questions you have about proper diet, brushing and flossing techniques, and the materials best suited to your mouth.

Fluoride and Sealants

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth. We provide fortifying fluoride treatments and can place sealants — a thin layer of plastic resin — into molars to smooth grooves and eliminate hiding places for bacteria.

Athletic Mouthguards

We place a special emphasis on sports dentistry. Our custom-made athletic mouthguards protect the mouth and face from permanent damage during any athletic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Brushing and flossing: remove food particles and debris stuck between teeth and along the gum line. Using a toothbrush with the right hardness is important — too hard can damage gums, too soft is ineffective. Dr. Kennedy can recommend the right one for you.

Understand your risk: age, diet and overall health can all put you at risk. Dr. Kennedy can help you understand your risk and recommend a course of treatment.

How important is flossing?

Even the best toothbrushes cannot fully reach between the teeth. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and leftover food particles from the gum line.

How often should I have dental checkups?

For many patients, every six months is enough — but every patient is different, and you may need more frequent checkups based on your needs.

Why do I need dental X-rays?

X-rays help Dr. Kennedy detect serious issues earlier, including:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay, including decay beneath fillings
• Bone loss
• Infection
• Location and position of impacted teeth
• Abscessed teeth