Preventative Dentistry
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with prevention. Our preventative dental care focuses on early detection, routine maintenance, and patient education. We offer comprehensive services to protect your smile and avoid more serious dental issues down the road.

Recall Exams & Dental Cleanings
Recall exams (or routine checkups) are essential for maintaining oral health. During your visit, we examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues, screen for oral cancer, check existing dental work, and perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions: Recall Exams & Dental Cleanings
Every 6 months is standard for most patients, but we may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health.
We check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and changes in your bite or jaw. X-rays may be taken if needed.
Yes. Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They act as a barrier to food and bacteria, helping to prevent cavities—especially in children and teens who may be more prone to decay in these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Sealants
Children, teens, and even some adults with deep grooves in their molars can benefit from sealants.
They can last 5–10 years with proper care but may need touch-ups during regular dental visits.
Not at all. Applying sealants is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or numbing.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. We provide professional fluoride applications as part of routine checkups, especially for children or patients at higher risk of decay.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fluoride Treatments
Yes. Professional fluoride treatments use safe, controlled doses approved by dental associations.
Usually every 6 months, or more frequently if you’re prone to cavities or sensitivity.
Custom Nightguards (For Grinding & Clenching)
Protect your teeth while you sleep.
Nightguards are custom-made oral appliances worn during sleep to prevent damage from bruxism—the grinding or clenching of teeth. This condition often occurs unconsciously during sleep and can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, cracked fillings, and headaches. A nightguard acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping preserve your smile and reduce discomfort.
Why You Might Need a Nightguard:
- Waking up with jaw pain or headaches
- Teeth that appear flattened, worn, or chipped
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- History of grinding or clenching
- Cracked fillings or crowns
- Neck or facial tension in the morning
All our nightguards are custom-fitted for optimal comfort and effectiveness—far superior to over-the-counter options.
Frequently Asked Questions: Custom Nightguards
No—it won’t stop the behavior, but it will protect your teeth and reduce muscle strain and damage.
Store-bought guards often don’t fit well and can worsen jaw problems. A custom guard is more effective and comfortable.
With proper care, most nightguards last 3–5 years. Heavy grinders may need more frequent replacements.
Yes! We can custom-fit guards for patients with crowns, implants, or orthodontics.
Preventative Dentistry Age Guide
Focus
Early education, cavity prevention
Recommended Services
- First dental visit by age 1
- Parental guidance on cleaning gums/teeth
- Fluoride if needed
Tips for Parents/Patients
Wipe gums with a clean cloth; start brushing when first tooth appears
Focus
Habit building, monitoring growth
Recommended Services
- Exams & cleanings every 6 months
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants on baby molars
- Habit counseling
Tips for Parents/Patients
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste; supervise brushing to avoid swallowing
Focus
Cavity prevention, growth monitoring
Recommended Services
- Routine cleanings
- Dental sealants on permanent molars
- Fluoride varnish
- Orthodontic screening
Tips for Parents/Patients
Encourage independence with brushing and flossing, but check for consistency
Focus
Protecting adult teeth, aesthetics
Recommended Services
- Routine cleanings
- Fluoride
- Wisdom teeth evaluation
- Orthodontics (braces/Invisalign)
Tips for Parents/Patients
Watch for diet, sports, and stress-related habits that may affect oral health
Focus
Maintenance, early intervention
Recommended Services
- Cleanings and exams
- Periodontal screenings
- Nightguards
- Oral cancer screening
Tips for Parents/Patients
Don’t delay regular checkups—even if you feel fine
Focus
Preserving function, managing dry mouth/disease
Recommended Services
- Denture/implant maintenance
- Dry mouth treatment
- Gum and bone health monitoring
Tips for Parents/Patients
Oral health affects whole-body health—especially for heart disease, diabetes, and medications
Book a checkup
Contact our Richmond office during business hours and we will be happy to help you in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin.