Pineview Dental
Nathaniel Fogel, DDS
Preventive Dentistry
The Foundation of Lifelong Oral Health

Prevention is always better for your smile than waiting for problems to develop.

Preventive Dentistry | Dentist

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Preventive Dentistry in Columbia, MD

Colgate Total used at Pineview Dental in Columbia, MDAt Pineview Dental, we offer preventive services to help patients of all ages maintain healthy smiles, starting with routine checkups. Do you hesitate to make an appointment because it’s been longer than you’d like to admit since your last dental visit? You’ll find no judgment here—just a caring team focusing on moving forward, not looking back.

Dental Prevention: A Team Effort

Achieving excellent oral health is a partnership between you and your dental team. Prevention begins at home with consistent brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits, while our professional services address what home care alone cannot.

At Pineview Dental, we empower our patients with the knowledge to make choices that support better oral health. Intraoral cameras used during routine checkups provide a magnified view of your mouth, allowing us to point out problem areas. When you see an issue like a cavity or a cracked tooth in your mouth, you can better understand why we recommend treatment and how it will benefit you.

The Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

When you make preventive dentistry a regular part of your healthcare routine, you'll experience benefits that extend beyond your smile:

Save Money in the Long Run
That small cavity might require a simple filling, but left undiscovered, could develop into a more complex issue. Regular preventive care helps identify potential problems when they're smaller, less expensive, and easier to treat.
Avoid Dental Discomfort
There's nothing like getting a throbbing toothache during your vacation or an important work presentation. Preventive care helps identify and address potential issues before they become painful emergencies disrupting your life.
Protect Your Overall Oral Health
Regular preventive care helps control bacteria and inflammation linked to serious health conditions, including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia. By maintaining good oral health, you support overall health.

Preventive Services at Pineview Dental

We recommend exams and cleanings every six months for most Pineview Dental patients. If you have a history of cavities or we are actively treating you for gum disease, we may increase the frequency to stay ahead of these issues. Our other preventive services include:

  • Professional Teeth Cleanings — Our skilled hygienists gently remove plaque and tartar deposits using specialized instruments, helping prevent gum disease and decay while leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
  • Comprehensive Dental Exams — We thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues to detect potential issues like decay, gum disease, or oral cancer in their earliest stages.
  • Dental Sealants — Dental sealants smooth over the deep grooves of molars with a thin plastic coating that prevents decay from developing in these hard-to-clean surfaces.
  • Fluoride Treatments — These quick, painless treatments strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars.
  • Custom Nightguards — A custom-fitted nightguard creates a protective barrier against the damaging effects of teeth grinding or clenching.
  • Athletic Mouthguards — Our custom-fitted sports mouthguards offer better fit, comfort, and protection against dental injuries than over-the-counter options.

Preventive Dentistry Technology

Intraoral Cameras technology at Pineview Dental in Columbia, MD

Intraoral Cameras

These small, pen-sized digital cameras allow Dr. Fogel to capture high-resolution images of areas inside your mouth that might be difficult to see clearly with a visual exam. The images appear instantly on a chairside monitor, transforming your dental experience by showing you exactly what Dr. Fogel sees.

Used during examinations, treatment planning, and procedure explanations, these cameras help identify issues like hairline cracks, worn fillings, and early decay. This technology transforms abstract dental terms into visual understanding, empowers you to make informed decisions about your care, and helps you better understand the reason behind treatment recommendations.

Cost-Saving Membership Plan

Are you ready to book a checkup but worried about the cost? We offer Pineview Prime, a dental membership savings plan for our uninsured patients. For a reasonable annual fee, you'll receive two cleanings, exams, and x-rays, as well as discounts on our other services. There are no deductibles, waiting periods, or other out-of-pocket expenses. Call to sign up or speak to a team member at your next visit!

Schedule Your Next Checkup with Us

Whether it's been six months or six years since your last dental visit, there's no better time to prioritize your oral health through preventive care. Call Pineview Dental today at (410) 730-3311 to schedule your dental checkup in Columbia, MD.

We welcome patients of all ages from throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Woman having preventive dentistry in Columbia, MDBad breath (halitosis) commonly affects self-confidence and social interactions. Occasional "sour" breath is normal, but persistent bad breath often signals underlying issues that may require professional attention.

The most common causes of bad breath include:

  • Bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles, releasing sulfur compounds
  • Poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to multiply on the teeth, gums, and tongue
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia) from medications, mouth breathing, or dehydration
  • Certain foods like garlic, onions, and strong spices
  • Tobacco products, which leave residual odors and promote bacterial growth
  • Gum disease or other dental infections
  • Medical conditions, such as sinus infections, acid reflux, or diabetes

How to Prevent Bad Breath

Fortunately, most cases of bad breath can be easily managed with these preventive measures:

  • Maintain thorough oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and floss once daily to remove food particles and bacteria
  • Clean your tongue — Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria from the tongue's surface
  • Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and keep tissues moist
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings — Professional cleanings remove tartar that harbors odor-causing bacteria
  • Replace your toothbrush regularly — Use a fresh toothbrush every 3-4 months
  • Consider alcohol-free mouthwash — Rinse to reduce bacteria without drying out your mouth

Book a Teeth Cleaning for Fresh Breath

If you've improved your oral hygiene but still experience persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Columbia, MD. We can identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments. Call us at (410) 730-3311 to arrange your visit to Pineview Dental.

Testimonial

I highly recommend Dr. Fogel at Pineview Dental. Your teeth (and gums and tongue) will thank you!

I was referred to Dr. Fogel by my previous dentist when she moved to a location too far away. I was at ease going in, knowing my dentist was friendly with Dr. Fogel. After meeting him, it was easy to see why my previous dentist recommended him! I have been going to this office now for over 2 years. Every time, I am greeted by name. It feels so welcoming. I have prompt, gentle cleanings each visit. If you're looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend Dr. Fogel at Pineview Dental. Your teeth (and gums and tongue) will thank you!
-Sarah
 

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