Preventive Dental Care — Keep Your Smile Healthy for Life
The best dental treatment is the one you never need. Regular cleanings, exams, and preventive care catch small problems before they become painful, expensive, or harder to treat. At myDental, we make it easy to stay on top of your oral health with comprehensive preventive services designed to protect your smile for the long run.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the foundation of good oral health. It includes the routine care, screenings, and treatments that keep your teeth and gums healthy and help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Instead of waiting until something hurts, preventive care focuses on stopping issues before they start.
At myDental, your preventive visits include professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone cannot reach, a comprehensive exam by your dentist, and any recommended screenings like digital X-rays or oral cancer checks. We also offer protective treatments such as dental sealants and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to give cavity-prone teeth extra defense. These routine visits are the single most effective way to keep your smile healthy and reduce your overall dental costs over time.
Our hygienists remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing and flossing miss — leaving your teeth clean and polished.
Comprehensive exams catch cavities, gum disease, and oral health changes in the earliest stages when treatment is simpler and less costly.
Low-radiation digital X-rays reveal hidden problems between teeth, below the gumline, and in the jawbone that visual exams cannot detect.
Professional fluoride treatments strengthen your enamel and create an extra barrier against decay — especially helpful for cavity-prone patients.
Your Preventive Dental Care Options
Preventive care is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your oral health, risk factors, and history, your dentist may recommend different services at each visit. Here are the core preventive treatments we offer.
Routine Cleanings & Exams
The cornerstone of preventive care. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, and your dentist performs a comprehensive exam checking for cavities, gum disease, and other issues. Recommended every six months.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
When gum disease is present, a deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar from the tooth roots. This helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth, preventing further bone and tissue loss.
Fluoride Treatments
A quick, painless application of concentrated fluoride varnish after your cleaning. It strengthens tooth enamel, remineralizes early decay, and provides lasting protection — especially beneficial for patients prone to cavities.
Digital X-Rays & Diagnostics
Low-radiation digital imaging lets us see cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and other hidden problems. Results appear instantly on screen, so we can review findings with you in real time.
Dental Sealants
A thin, protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities most often start. Sealants bond into the grooves and pits, creating a smooth barrier that keeps out food and bacteria. Quick, painless, and especially effective for children and cavity-prone adults.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
A non-invasive liquid treatment that stops cavities from growing — no drilling required. SDF is painted directly onto the decay, killing bacteria and hardening the affected tooth structure. It is ideal for young children, patients with dental anxiety, or small cavities that can be managed without a filling.
Signs It Is Time for a Dental Checkup
Preventive dentistry is for everyone — children, adults, and seniors. But if any of the following sound familiar, it is especially important to schedule a visit soon.
Even if nothing feels wrong, regular checkups are the best way to keep it that way. Schedule a visit and let our team help you stay ahead of any problems.
Your Preventive Care Visit at myDental
A preventive dental visit is straightforward, comfortable, and designed to fit into your schedule. Here is what to expect at a typical cleaning and checkup.
Check-In & Medical History Review
When you arrive, we review your medical history and any changes to your health or medications since your last visit. This helps us tailor your care and watch for conditions that can affect your oral health.
Digital X-Rays (If Needed)
If it is time for updated imaging, we take low-radiation digital X-rays to check for hidden cavities, bone loss, and other issues below the surface. Results appear instantly on screen for immediate review.
Professional Cleaning
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas below the gumline. We finish with a polish to remove surface stains and leave your teeth smooth and clean.
Comprehensive Exam
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and soft tissues. We screen for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and any changes since your last visit. If we find anything, we explain your options clearly and without pressure.
Personalized Care Plan
Before you leave, we review our findings, answer your questions, and provide recommendations for at-home care. If sealants, fluoride, or SDF would benefit you or your child, we discuss those options as well. We schedule your next cleaning so you stay on track — most patients return every six months.
Why Choose Preventive Care at myDental?
Preventive dentistry is the most effective and affordable way to protect your oral health. Here is what regular care does for you and your family.
Prevent Cavities
Professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and SDF work together to remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and shield vulnerable teeth — stopping decay before it starts.
Catch Problems Early
Regular exams and X-rays detect issues in the earliest stages — when treatment is simpler, faster, and less expensive than waiting until something hurts.
Protect Your Gums
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Routine cleanings remove the bacteria that cause gum inflammation, keeping your gums healthy and your teeth secure.
Save Money Long-Term
Most insurance plans cover preventive visits at 100%. Spending an hour twice a year on cleanings can save you thousands in restorative or emergency treatments down the road.
A Brighter Smile
Professional cleanings remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and everyday wear. You leave every visit with teeth that look and feel noticeably cleaner.
Support Your Overall Health
Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Taking care of your mouth is one of the simplest things you can do for your whole-body health.
What Our Patients Say About Preventive Care
Rated 4.8/5,678+ patient reviews across all locations.
“Needed a root canal and dreaded it. Heavenly kept me comfortable, and the permanent crown fits perfectly.”
Google Review
“The hygienist Luis was especially wonderful - gentle, thorough, and very calming. Perfect for anyone nervous at the dentist.”
Google Review
“Same-day extraction on a broken tooth with zero pain -- full transparency, no judgment, no pressure.”
Google Review
“First visit was perfect from start to finish. Jasmine, Luis, and Dr. T made a new resident feel right at home.”
Google Review
“Wisdom teeth removal was a breeze -- dreaded it but they made it painless”
Google Review
“I had to get a deep clean and with how unpleasant the procedure was they kept me calm and relaxed.”
Google Review
“Exceptional care - Dr. B and Ana were patient and helpful through multiple visits of neglected work”
Google Review
“Dental implant surgery ran in half the expected time - painless, clean, and well-operated. You're in good hands!”
Google Review
“They have blankets, earphones, and let you watch TV -- I even watched Project Runway during my visit!”
Google Review
“Severe anxiety and needle phobia from past trauma -- finally found a dentist to trust”
Google Review
“Daughter actually looks forward to dental visits because the team explains every step without intimidation.”
Google Review
“Able to smile again with confidence after years of dental struggles and emotional pain”
Google Review
How Much Does Preventive Dental Care Cost?
Routine preventive care is one of the most affordable dental services available — and it is almost always covered by insurance. The cost depends on the services included in your visit, such as whether X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, or SDF are needed. We provide transparent pricing at every visit and help you understand exactly what your insurance covers.
Flexible Financing
Split your treatment into easy monthly payments. Apply in minutes.
Ask About Financing →myDental Care Plan
In-house membership plan with discounts on all treatments. No insurance needed.
Learn About the Plan →Your Preventive Dentistry Questions, Answered
Don’t see your question? Contact us — we’re happy to help.
Most patients should have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or are at higher risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend cleanings every three to four months. Regular visits help us catch small problems before they become bigger and more expensive to treat.
The cost depends on the type of cleaning you need. Routine preventive cleanings are typically covered at 100% by most PPO dental insurance plans. Deep cleanings for gum disease may have additional costs depending on your coverage. We provide transparent pricing and help you understand your benefits at every visit.
A regular (prophylactic) cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar from the tooth roots. Deep cleanings are recommended when there are signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, gum pockets, or bone loss. If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, learn more about our periodontics services.
Yes. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities at any age. Adults who are prone to decay, have sensitive teeth, or have exposed root surfaces benefit significantly from professional fluoride treatments. It is a quick, painless step that adds an extra layer of protection after your cleaning.
Most patients need a full set of dental X-rays every three to five years and bitewing X-rays once a year. X-rays let us detect cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, and other problems that are not visible during a visual exam. We use low-radiation digital X-rays for faster results and reduced exposure.
During a routine visit, your hygienist performs a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, then polishes your teeth. Your dentist conducts a comprehensive exam checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and bite issues. We may take digital X-rays if needed. You leave with a personalized care plan and your next cleaning already scheduled.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover preventive services at 100%, including two cleanings per year, exams, and X-rays. This means many patients pay nothing out of pocket for routine preventive visits. Our team verifies your benefits and helps you make the most of your coverage. Learn more about insurance at myDental.
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities most often develop. The sealant bonds into the grooves and pits of the tooth, creating a smooth barrier that keeps out food and bacteria. Sealants are especially recommended for children once their permanent molars come in, but adults with deep grooves or a history of cavities can benefit as well. The application is quick, painless, and requires no drilling.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive liquid treatment that stops existing cavities from growing without any drilling or numbing. It is painted directly onto the decay, killing bacteria and hardening the affected tooth structure. SDF is ideal for young children, patients with dental anxiety, or small cavities that can be monitored rather than filled. One important note: SDF permanently stains the treated decay dark, so it is typically used on areas that are not highly visible.
myDental offers preventive dental care at multiple convenient Texas locations. Visit our locations page to find the office nearest you and schedule your cleaning and checkup today.
Explore Related Dental Services
Ready to Schedule Your Dental Cleaning?
Keeping your smile healthy starts with a simple cleaning and checkup. With convenient Texas locations, experienced dental teams, and most insurance plans accepted, there is no reason to put it off. Schedule your preventive care visit today — your future self will thank you.
English
Spanish