Preventive Dentistry in Columbia, MD
At 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
Avoid Dental Discomfort
Protect Your Overall Oral Health
OUR TEAM
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
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
Bad 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