Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dental care is a crucial part of maintaining optimal oral health. It encompasses various practices and treatments, from maintaining good oral hygiene to having regular dental check-ups. This practice of caring for teeth can help keep teeth healthy and prevent dental issues. 


Receive quality, comprehensive care from a general dentist at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Our team can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Call us today at (703) 763-1078 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

The Importance of Preventative Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults suffers from untreated tooth decay. The longer someone waits to visit the dentist, the more likely they are to develop painful and costly dental problems later on. Preventative dental care lowers the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. It can also help reduce dental problems related to some chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes.


Oral health is also connected to the health of the entire body. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria as well as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Without proper oral hygiene, including preventative dentistry, secondary problems can develop, such as respiratory and heart disease.


In addition to reducing a family's risk for other health issues, practicing good preventive dental care can save money. While it may not completely eliminate treatments such as fillings, it can go a long way in reducing the need for costly services. In fact, a study by Cigna concluded that, "Customers who did not receive preventive care experienced a 43% increase in their annual dental costs over the same period of time." This illustrates that individuals who practice regular preventive oral health care and visit their dentist as recommended achieve higher cost savings each year.

Get Regular Checkups

A regular dental checkup can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is a good idea to have a dental checkup at least every six months. If recommended by your dentist, it may be necessary to go even more frequently. During a dental checkup, a dental professional will evaluate your oral health and look for any signs of dental problems. Having regular dental checkups can help our doctors identify any issues before they become more serious.


Biannual routine dental visits generally cover an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning. The dental examination involves assessing the mouth for cavities, plaque, and tartar, before examining the gums. We check the gums using a special tool called a probe to measure the pocket depths between each tooth and the gums. This helps us screen for gum or periodontal disease and assess the overall oral health of the patient. During routine visits, we can also suggest supplemental treatments such as fluoride and sealants to enhance a patient's oral health.

Teeth Cleanings

During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque, a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth. To do this, the dental professional will scrape the teeth above and below the gum line with special tools. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during this process. Then, the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may find this to be a little uncomfortable, but if they include flossing as part of their daily oral care practice, this discomfort will go away over time.


At the end of the dental cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth. This polishing helps protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque, so they stay shiny and smoother longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a paste. This paste resembles toothpaste but is slightly coarse so it can better eliminate any residue that might have been missed. When the dental professional is done cleaning the teeth, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash.

Teeth Cleanings

During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque, a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth. To do this, the dental professional will scrape the teeth above and below the gum line with special tools. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during this process. Then, the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may find this to be a little uncomfortable, but if they include flossing as part of their daily oral care practice, this discomfort will go away over time.


At the end of the dental cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth. This polishing helps protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque, so they stay shiny and smoother longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a paste. This paste resembles toothpaste but is slightly coarse so it can better eliminate any residue that might have been missed. When the dental professional is done cleaning the teeth, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash.

Deep Cleanings

Deep cleanings are primarily done to treat or prevent gum disease in a procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing. When plaque is left untreated, the buildup of bacteria can infect and inflame the gums, causing gum disease and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.


A deep cleaning consists of two parts: scaling and planing. During scaling, we use a special scraping tool to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and the gumline. During root planing, we smooth out the tooth's roots so that the gums can reattach naturally to the teeth. In many cases, the patient is put under a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable during the procedure. They will also be given after-care instructions.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural tooth-supporting mineral that strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and fights harmful bacteria. It protects gums and tooth enamel. Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions. Certain groups may be at increased risk for cavities and require more frequent fluoride treatments. These include those who do not seek regular, recommended professional dental care, use drugs or alcohol frequently, have poor oral hygiene, have a poor diet, or have weak enamel.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural tooth-supporting mineral that strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and fights harmful bacteria. It protects gums and tooth enamel. Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions. Certain groups may be at increased risk for cavities and require more frequent fluoride treatments. These include those who do not seek regular, recommended professional dental care, use drugs or alcohol frequently, have poor oral hygiene, have a poor diet, or have weak enamel.

Preventative Dentistry FAQs

  • How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

    The American Dental Association recommends that children and adults have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. If you have dental insurance, these cleanings are likely covered at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

  • How Much Does Preventative Dental Care Cost?

    The cost of preventative dental care will depend on the patient's dental insurance. Insurance plans often cover preventative dental treatments. People should contact their insurance provider for more coverage information.

  • What Is The Difference Between A Dental Cleaning And A Deep Cleaning?

    If you have a lot of tartar buildup, our doctors may recommend a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is a more thorough procedure designed to remove bacteria from the mouth. A deep cleaning may involve two procedures: scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smooths rough spots on the roots of the teeth to reduce bacteria and help teeth reattach to the gums. If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning for you, they may ask you to reschedule for a later date, as deep cleanings are more involved and take longer. They may also require more than one appointment to complete.


    Deep cleanings are particularly necessary for patients with periodontal disease, which leads to the loss of bone and gum attachment to the teeth. Periodontal disease is diagnosed via dental X-rays and gum measurements greater than 4mm.

  • Are X-Rays Safe?

    Yes. While X-rays involve the use of radiation, the levels are very minimal. They are safe for both children and adults.

  • What Can I Do To Take Care Of My Teeth At Home?

    Using fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. You may want to brush your teeth more often if you eat or drink anything sugary. Floss once a day to remove food particles and bacteria from in between teeth and around the gums.

  • Is Preventative Dentistry Important For Children, Too?

    While primary teeth are not permanent, they play a significant role in the proper emergence of adult teeth. Preventative dental care can help children protect their teeth for a lifetime of good dental health.eventative dental care is very important for children.

  • Do I Still Have To See A Dentist If I Don't Have Any Symptoms?

    You should have a dental cleaning twice a year, even if you do not have any symptoms. Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay. Neglecting dental cleanings can lead to serious dental issues.


Oral Cancer Screening

Dentists use an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth. Oral health can impact more than just the mouth, particularly when it comes to oral cancer. Although the word cancer can be alarming, an oral cancer screening is a routine assessment that is conducted by our dental team as part of general precautionary care.

Oral Cancer Screening

Dentists use an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth. Oral health can impact more than just the mouth, particularly when it comes to oral cancer. Although the word cancer can be alarming, an oral cancer screening is a routine assessment that is conducted by our dental team as part of general precautionary care.

Signs That Could Indicate a Need for a Screening Test

Many people who receive dental care have oral cancer screenings performed even though they do not have any signs of a specific need for the test. Oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up. Some people may have specific signs that might indicate a need for an oral cancer screening, including:


  • A change in the mouth tissue, such as a thickening or rough spot
  • An ulcer, or eroded area of the mouth
  • Discolorations, such as new red or white patches in the mouth
  • Hoarseness, sore throat, or a feeling of something stuck in one’s throat
  • New problems such as difficulty with speaking, moving one’s tongue or jaw, closing one’s teeth together, chewing, or swallowing
  • Pain or numbness in the lips or other mouth structures
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Weight loss


If a patient experiences one of the above symptoms, particularly if it is changing quickly or causing pain, an oral cancer screening can help put their mind at ease.

Signs That Could Indicate a Need for a Screening Test

Many people who receive dental care have oral cancer screenings performed even though they do not have any signs of a specific need for the test. Oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up. Some people may have specific signs that might indicate a need for an oral cancer screening, including:


  • A change in the mouth tissue, such as a thickening or rough spot
  • An ulcer, or eroded area of the mouth
  • Discolorations, such as new red or white patches in the mouth
  • Hoarseness, sore throat, or a feeling of something stuck in one’s throat
  • New problems such as difficulty with speaking, moving one’s tongue or jaw, closing one’s teeth together, chewing, or swallowing
  • Pain or numbness in the lips or other mouth structures
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Weight loss


If a patient experiences one of the above symptoms, particularly if it is changing quickly or causing pain, an oral cancer screening can help put their mind at ease.

Groups at High Risk for Oral Cancer

Certain groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others. Common risk factors include, but are not limited to:


  • A history of oral cancer
  • Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol
  • Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun
  • Tobacco use, in any form


Patients may find it beneficial to consult a professional about their medical history to better determine their risk for oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

  • How common is oral cancer?

    According to the American Dental Association, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. While this is intimidating, you can lower your risk of developing oral cancer by avoiding tobacco and alcohol. It is also wise to stay on top of oral health by following a regular check-up schedule.

  • How much does drinking influence oral cancer?

    The American Cancer Society notes that people who drink heavily are more likely to develop oral cancers than those with light or no alcohol intake. People who pair heavy drinking with heavy tobacco smoking increase their risk even further. The people who combine these activities have a risk of oral cancer that is 30 times higher than those who abstain from alcohol and tobacco.

  • How can I prevent oral cancers?

    The most important thing you can do to prevent the development of oral cancer is to avoid using tobacco products. Limiting your alcohol intake can also reduce your risk. Because of the association between oral cancers and HPV, it is also recommended that preteens get two doses of the HPV vaccine, as this could prevent oral cancers.

  • What is a biopsy?

    If our doctors identify a suspicious area in the mouth during oral cancer screening, he or she may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue so that it can be examined more closely by a pathologist. This may be done using several different methods, including a needle, a scalpel, or a specialized tool. Some dentists perform their own biopsies, and others coordinate with other types of healthcare professionals, such as otolaryngologists.

  • Who Is Most At Risk Of Developing Oral Cancer?

    Besides those who drink heavily and use tobacco, those with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) tend to develop it at higher rates. Also, men develop it at higher rates than women. Those with poor nutrition or who are overweight are also at higher risk.

  • When Would a Doctor Advise a Test?

    An oral cancer screening is simple enough to be performed during every check-up, and we recommend a thorough evaluation of the oral cavity during a regular exam.


    For most patients, it’s advised to have a routine dental visit every six months, so some form of oral cancer test may be administered twice yearly. Some patients may need to have a more formalized oral screening conducted at a different interval. For patients who have a history of oral cancer or who have significant oral cancer risk factors, our doctors may conduct more frequent oral screenings.

  • What Happens After an Oral Cancer Screening?

    After the dentist evaluates the mouth and surrounding structures for signs of oral cancer, the patient will be able to continue with their daily routine as usual, without restrictions. Your doctor will discuss any potential areas of concern and may ask that the patient return to the office in a few weeks for a re-evaluation, to see if the areas have changed or resolved. The dentist will not be able to tell for sure if an area of focus is cancerous, so more tests may be needed. If the patient has been scheduled for a biopsy, that patient will receive further instructions about how to prepare.

Experience Dentistry That Feels Different

Schedule your preventative visit today. If it's been some time since you've scheduled preventative dental care, call us at

(703) 763-1078 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.

Schedule your preventative visit today. If it's been some time since you've scheduled preventative dental care, call us at (703) 763-1078 for more assistance to start the journey to better oral health.