105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our friendly team and dentists in Post Falls, Idaho, are committed to helping patients of all ages maintain healthy teeth and gums. Preventive dentistry focuses on protecting your oral health, identifying problems early and reducing the risk of more complex dental concerns over time.
Preventive care may include regular dental exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, oral cancer screenings and other services based on your individual needs. Our dentists also provide guidance on home care, cavity prevention, gum health and maintaining a healthy smile between visits.
Preventive Dentistry Services
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, preventive services may include:
- Dental Cleanings and Exams
- Dental Sealants
- Digital X-Rays
- Fluoride Treatment
- Intraoral Cameras
- Night Guards
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Tooth Extractions
Dental Exams
Routine dental exams give our dentists an opportunity to evaluate your teeth, gums, bite and other oral tissues for signs of changes or problems that may need attention.
During an exam, our team may check for concerns such as:
- Tooth decay
- Damaged or worn teeth
- Changes in existing fillings, crowns or other restorations
- Signs of gum disease
- Bite-related concerns
- Changes in the soft tissues of the mouth
Regular exams can help identify concerns earlier, when treatment may be more straightforward. Learn more about our dental cleanings and exams.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are difficult to clean at home. Professional dental cleanings help remove this buildup and support healthy teeth and gums.
During your cleaning, our team may also review brushing and flossing techniques and discuss areas that need extra attention.
The frequency of professional cleanings depends on your oral health, gum condition and individual risk factors. Some patients may need more frequent care than others.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays help our dentists evaluate areas that cannot always be seen during a visual examination.
Dental X-rays may help identify concerns involving:
- Decay between teeth
- Changes below existing restorations
- Bone levels around the teeth
- Tooth roots
- Developing or unerupted teeth
- Other changes below the gumline
Our team will recommend X-rays based on your age, dental history, symptoms and treatment needs.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and may help reduce the risk of cavities. Professional fluoride treatment may be recommended for children or adults based on their cavity risk and oral health needs.
Our dentists can determine whether fluoride treatment may be beneficial during your preventive visit.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of certain teeth. They are commonly used on back teeth with deep grooves where food and plaque may be more difficult to remove.
Sealants may be recommended as part of a cavity-prevention plan, particularly for children and teens, although some adults may also benefit.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is included as part of our dental examination process. Our dentists evaluate the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks and other oral tissues for unusual changes that may need further attention.
Changes in the mouth can have many causes, and not every unusual area is cancerous. If our team identifies something concerning, we will explain the next recommended step.
Learn more about oral cancer screenings at 7 Day Dental Smiles.
Children’s Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dentistry can help children develop healthy habits and protect their teeth as they grow.
Children’s preventive care may include:
- Routine dental exams
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
- Digital X-rays when appropriate
- Guidance on brushing and flossing
- Monitoring developing teeth and bite changes
Our team can also help parents understand how diet, oral hygiene and regular dental visits affect a child’s risk for cavities and other dental concerns.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are an important part of preventive dental care. Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to gum inflammation and, over time, periodontal disease.
During preventive visits, our team evaluates your gum health and may check for signs such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling or redness
- Gum recession
- Changes in the spaces between the teeth and gums
- Bone loss visible on dental X-rays
If signs of gum disease are present, our dentists may recommend additional treatment or ongoing periodontal care.
Preventing Cavities
Cavities develop when acids produced by bacteria damage the tooth enamel. Good preventive habits can help reduce your risk.
To help prevent cavities:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth regularly
- Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks
- Attend routine dental exams and cleanings
- Use fluoride treatment when recommended
- Consider dental sealants when appropriate
- Address early signs of tooth decay before they become more extensive
Your dentists can help you develop a preventive care plan based on your cavity risk and oral health needs.
How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam?
The right schedule for dental exams depends on your oral health, history of cavities or gum disease, age and other individual risk factors.
Many patients benefit from regular preventive visits, but some may need to be seen more often. Patients with periodontal disease, frequent cavities or other ongoing dental concerns may require a different schedule.
Our dentists will recommend an exam and cleaning schedule based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, and identifying dental problems as early as possible. It may include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants and other preventive services based on your needs.
How often should I have a dental exam?
The right schedule depends on your oral health, history of cavities or gum disease and other individual risk factors. Our dentists will recommend how often you should return for exams and preventive care based on your needs.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
The frequency of dental cleanings depends on your gum health, plaque and tartar buildup and overall oral health. Some patients may need cleanings more often than others. Our team will recommend a schedule that is appropriate for you.
Why are digital X-rays used during preventive dental care?
Digital X-rays help our dentists evaluate areas that may not be visible during a dental exam, including decay between teeth, tooth roots, bone levels and changes below existing restorations.
Do you offer fluoride treatment?
Yes. Fluoride treatment may be recommended for children or adults based on their cavity risk and oral health needs. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and may help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of certain teeth. They help protect deep grooves where food and plaque can collect and may be recommended as part of a cavity-prevention plan.
Do dental exams include oral cancer screening?
Yes. Oral cancer screening is included as part of our dental examination process. Our dentists check the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks and other oral tissues for unusual changes that may need further evaluation. Learn more about our oral cancer screenings.
How can I help prevent cavities?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth regularly, limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and attend routine dental exams and cleanings. Fluoride treatment and dental sealants may also be recommended based on your cavity risk.
How does preventive dentistry help protect my gums?
Preventive visits allow our team to monitor your gum health and look for signs of inflammation, bleeding, recession or bone loss. If gum disease is present, our dentists may recommend additional treatment or ongoing periodontal care.
Do you provide preventive dental care for children?
Yes. Preventive care for children may include dental exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, appropriate X-rays and guidance on brushing, flossing and cavity prevention.
Can preventive dentistry help avoid more complex dental treatment?
Preventive care may help reduce the risk of some dental problems and can allow concerns to be identified earlier. However, not every dental problem can be prevented, so regular evaluations remain important.
Protect Your Smile With Preventive Care
Preventive dentistry in Post Falls, Idaho, can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and identify concerns before they become more complex.
Call 208-773-8388 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl and learn more about preventive dental care for you and your family.
