Services

Preventive Dentistry—Protecting Your Smile for Life

Your oral health is the foundation of your overall well-being. Preventive dentistry is more than just brushing and flossing—it’s about receiving professional care that protects your teeth and gums from future problems. Our Sunnyvale dentists are committed to helping patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles through regular dental visits and preventive dental care.

Dental cleaning

With routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, patients of all ages can reduce their risk of cavities, gum disease, and costly restorative treatments. Whether you’re scheduling for yourself or your child, our preventive care services provide lasting protection and peace of mind.

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Why Preventive Dentistry Matters

Preventive dentistry acts as a safeguard for your smile and overall health. Routine preventive services can detect and address dental problems early, often before they require extensive treatment, saving time, money, and discomfort. For children, these services establish healthy habits and reduce the risk of cavities, while for adults, they help maintain gum health, prevent enamel erosion, and catch issues in their earliest stages.

 

With a dental plan focused on preventive care, patients can enjoy regular cleanings, exams, and other preventive services that support long-term oral health. Investing in prevention today protects both your teeth and overall well-being for the future.

Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)

Professional cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are routine treatments designed to remove plaque, tartar, and stains that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Even the most diligent home care misses certain areas, making cleanings essential at least twice a year.

What to Expect During a Cleaning

Our hygienists use specialized tools to gently but thoroughly clean along the gumline and between teeth. The process includes:

 

  • Plaque and tartar removal – eliminating hardened buildup
  • Polishing—leaving a smooth surface that resists plaque buildup
  • Fluoride application (optional)—adding extra protection for enamel
  • Oral health check—identifying signs of gum disease or decay early
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Benefits of Regular Cleanings

  • Fresher breath and a brighter smile
  • Reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay
  • Support for overall health through improved oral hygiene

 

Regular cleanings are a cornerstone of preventive dental services, complementing your daily routine when you brush your teeth. They help ensure your smile stays vibrant, healthy, and protected year after year.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against acid attacks caused by bacteria. Although fluoride is present in many toothpastes and public water systems, professional fluoride treatments deliver stronger protection, especially for patients at higher risk of tooth decay. Delta Dental members can often use their plan to cover these preventive treatments as part of their dental care.

The Treatment Process

A fluoride treatment takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. The dentist applies the fluoride solution directly to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. Patients should avoid eating or drinking for a short time afterward to ensure maximum fluoride absorption.

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Who Benefits Most From Fluoride Treatments?

  • Children with developing teeth
  • Adults prone to cavities or dry mouth
  • Patients with gum recession or weakened enamel

 

Regular fluoride treatments help remineralize teeth, making them more resistant to decay and reducing the need for fillings or other restorative dental treatments in the future.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars), where cavities and decay most often form. They act as a barrier, shielding teeth from food particles and bacteria that brushing can miss in the deep grooves, helping reduce the risk of both cavities and gum disease.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

Applying sealants is simple, quick, and comfortable:

 

  • Teeth are cleaned and dried.
  • We apply a conditioning solution to help the sealant material adhere effectively.
  • We paint the sealant onto the grooves of molars and harden it using a curing light.
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Best Candidates for Sealants

  • Children and teens, whose newly erupted molars are most prone to decay
  • Adults without decay who want added protection against cavities and gum disease

 

Sealants can last for many years, significantly reducing the risk of cavities, supporting gum health, and complementing the use of fluoride toothpaste in vulnerable areas. They are especially valuable for children, offering protection during the cavity-prone school years.

Preventive Dentistry for Children vs. Adults

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Kids: Building Healthy Habits Early

Children benefit immensely from preventive dental care services because their teeth are still developing. Cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants provide long-lasting protection during crucial growth years. Our gentle approach helps children feel comfortable while building trust in dental care, following guidelines and best practices from the American Dental Association (ADA).

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Adults: Maintaining and Protecting

Preventive dental care continues throughout adulthood. Adults face risks such as gum disease, enamel erosion, and tooth sensitivity. Regular cleanings and fluoride help manage these risks, while sealants can also benefit adults with cavity-prone teeth. We customize our preventive dental care services so every patient, regardless of age, maintains strong, healthy teeth in line with ADA recommendations.

The Preventive Dentistry Advantage

When you choose preventive dentistry, you’re investing in more than just your teeth—you’re investing in your overall quality of life. Preventive care saves time, lowers dental costs, and helps protect your smile from decay and gum disease. Rather than waiting for problems to appear, our team provides proactive solutions that minimize discomfort and maximize long-term oral health. Whether through thorough cleanings, protective fluoride applications, or durable sealants, we help you stay one step ahead of dental issues.

 

Your healthiest smile starts with prevention. Take advantage of our gentle, effective preventive dentistry services to safeguard your oral health today—and for years to come. Schedule your appointment for a professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, or dental sealants, and let our team help you and your family prevent decay and gum disease while achieving confident, healthy smiles.