Preventive Dental Care in Poway, CA

What is preventive dental care?

Preventive dentistry plays an important role in protecting both your oral health and overall well-being. When paired with consistent at-home brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings and exams help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other common issues that can impact your smile over time. Routine preventive care allows small concerns to be identified early, often before they cause discomfort or require more extensive treatment.

During these regular visits, our dentist in Poway provides preventive dental care for patients from Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Escondido, and surrounding communities. By closely monitoring your oral health at each appointment, we’re able to address minor changes early and help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for the long term.

Preventative dentistry in Poway

Did you know…

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Oral wellbeing is deeply connected to your overall health.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call 858-668-3390 today!

What to expect at your preventive dental care appointment in Poway

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Professional Cleaning

We will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Using specialized tools, Dr. Leila Khansari will gently remove any plaque and tartar buildup, and floss between your teeth in all of those hard-to-reach areas. She'll round out your cleaning by polishing your teeth, and applying fluoride if necessary, leaving your smile refreshed and revitalized.

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Any Necessary X-Rays

Your oral health is more than just what’s on the surface. X-rays allow us to see more than what we can with our eyes alone, for more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning. So if you’re new to our office, or it’s just been a while since you’ve had them taken, x-rays may be a part of your preventive visit.

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Comprehensive Exam & Treatment Plan

In addition to reviewing your x-rays, Dr. Leila Khansari will also perform an in-depth visual inspection of your teeth and gums. If there are any noticeable issues, she will discuss them with you, and provide treatment options to help guide your next steps. We prioritize patient education so you can make the decision that’s best for you and your smile.

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Next Steps

Whether you’re simply scheduling a regular cleaning or a follow-up appointment for additional treatment, our team is here for you! We take the time to educate you and answer any questions you may have about your treatment, insurance, financing, or anything else that comes to mind, so every visit is streamlined and stress-free.

Preventive Treatment Options

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Cleaning & Hygiene

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, Dr. Leila will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. Most patients receive one or two full sets of x-rays every year, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, Dr. Leila apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your teeth, keeping your enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.

Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.

Periodontal Care

Gum disease is extremely common, and can result in an array of oral health problems if left untreated, even including bone resorption and tooth loss. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It's also the only stage that can be truly reversed with deep cleanings and good at-home hygiene. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, it is still possible to regain control of your oral health by staying on top of your regular cleanings, checkups, and at-home care.

More advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, have irreversible effects on your oral health, such as gum recession and bone loss. However, the progression of periodontitis can be stopped in its tracks, even if the effects cannot be reversed, though it requires more advanced and frequent treatment. Most patients will require deep cleaning sessions every three to four months. Treatments can include deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, and laser therapy, and can help preserve your oral health.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit, and are a quick way to fortify your peace of mind. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life! 

Dr. leila will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become major issues. 

Night Guards

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

To get fitted for a night guard, you will receive impressions or digital scans of your teeth and gums that we will use to custom-craft a mold that will then be sent to the lab. Your night guard will be created to match your exact specifications and measurements for a perfect fit. Night guards ease tension in your jaw, alleviating the painful headaches and preventing dental damage caused by clenching and grinding. Night guards can keep your smile healthy and help you get the restful sleep you need.

Sports Guards

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.

Did you know…

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25% of adults in the U.S. have at least one cavity.

Preventive Dentistry in Poway, CA

Smiles by Dr. Leila in Poway, CA, offers comprehensive preventive dentistry services to keep your smile healthy. Serving patients near the areas of Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Escondido, San Marcos, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos, and Del Sur, we provide cleanings, exams, and screenings to stop dental issues before they start.

Visit us for a consultation at 12307 Poway Rd, Suite B, Poway, CA 92064, or call 858.668.3390.

Have questions about preventive dentistry? Find answers here.

How do I properly brush my teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease?

Proper brushing is a key part of preventive dentistry. Our Dental patients in Poway should brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Holding your brush at a 45-degree angle and using small, circular motions helps reduce plaque buildup and lowers the risk of needing dental fillings later on.

Why is flossing important for preventive dental care?

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Daily flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between teeth where brushing can’t reach. This helps prevent gum inflammation and decay that may eventually require restorative dentistry if left untreated. Consistent flossing supports long-term gum health and helps protect your natural teeth.

How do I floss correctly to protect my gums?

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To floss properly, use about 18–24 inches of floss, gently guiding it between teeth and curving it around each tooth in a “C” shape below the gumline. Using a fresh section of floss for each tooth helps prevent the spread of bacteria and supports healthier gums between dental visits.Prophylactic cleanings, also called preventive or “regular” cleanings, are performed during your routine dental appointments. They should be scheduled every 6 months, and are essential in helping to prevent decay, gum disease, and to keep your breath fresh. During these cleanings, we’ll remove any plaque, tartar, or bacterial buildup and floss between your teeth to ensure your continued oral health.

What’s the difference between a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?

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A prophylactic cleaning, often called a regular cleaning, is part of routine preventive dentistry and is recommended every six months. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Periodontal (deep) cleanings are used to treat gum disease. If gum disease progresses without care, it may lead to the need for dental crowns or other restorative treatments to protect weakened teeth.

How often should I schedule preventive dental cleanings in Poway?

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Most patients benefit from preventive cleanings every six months. Regular visits help detect issues early and reduce the likelihood of needing emergency dentistry due to sudden pain, infection, or tooth damage.

Is preventive dental care covered by insurance?

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Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Coverage varies by plan, so reviewing your benefits ahead of time can help you maximize what’s included under your dental insurance.

What happens during a preventive dental exam?

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A preventive exam includes a professional cleaning, evaluation of your teeth and gums, and screening for cavities and gum disease. It’s also a great time to discuss cosmetic goals, such as professional teeth whitening, if you’re interested in enhancing your smile.

Why is preventive dentistry important even if my teeth feel fine?

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Many dental issues don’t cause pain in their early stages. Preventive dentistry helps identify problems before they worsen and require more advanced treatments like cosmetic dentistry or restorative procedures.

Do you offer preventive dental care for families in Poway and nearby areas?

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Yes. Preventive dentistry is ideal for children, teens, and adults. We welcome patients from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Escondido, and surrounding communities. Families can also find helpful scheduling and visit information in our patient resources.

How can I schedule a preventive dental appointment near me in Poway?

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If you’re looking for preventive dentistry near Poway, you can contact Smiles by Dr. Leila to schedule a cleaning and exam or learn more about current offers for new patients through our new patient special.

Did you know…

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Save yourself money, time, and future dental pain by keeping up with your preventive care.

Ready for your next dental appointment?

Call 858-668-3390 to schedule today!