Comprehensive Exam
During a comprehensive exam, Dr. Maina will evaluate the health of the teeth, gums, bones, and soft tissues of the mouth for any abnormalities, including decay, inflammation, infection, and changes in tissue.
Zuri Dental provides comprehensive dental care for everyone in your family from our office in Rockville, MD. From the very earliest preventive dental care for kids to non-invasive and non-surgical treatments for safeguarding against the spread of periodontal disease, Dr. Maina is here to help you maintain lifelong excellent oral health. To schedule an appointment, call
, or message us.What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry includes all treatments, procedures, and services that focus on preventing oral health problems. Preventive dentistry may also be known as family dentistry, and at Zuri Dental, Dr. Maina and her team treat patients from their very first birthday, well into their twilight years.
Preventive dental care is necessary to prevent poor oral health and overall health outcomes including decay, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and more.
Benefits of Preventive Dentistry
The goal of all preventive treatments is to keep the teeth, gums, and tissues of the mouth healthy. It is a proactive approach to dentistry that offers benefits including
- Preventing plaque buildup
- Preventing gum disease
- Protecting vulnerable teeth from cavities
- Early detection of abnormalities in the mouth
- Protecting teeth from wear and tear
- Protecting the jaw joint from strain and stress
- Protecting the teeth during sports
Why Choose Zuri Dental?
Dr. Maina completed her dental education at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, one of the oldest and most respected dental institutions in the nation. After launching her dental career in Washington DC, she returned to Maryland to put her experience, skill, and extensive training to use serving her friends and neighbors in her home state.
Dr. Maina may specialize in dentistry, but she cares deeply about each of her patients’ overall health and well-being. Because excellent oral health is essential for good overall health, Dr. Maina spends significant time with each patient educating them on ways to achieve better oral health and overall health. To ensure she remains at the forefront of dental innovations in techniques and technologies, Dr. Maina continually pursues continuing educational opportunities, to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Dr. Maina may specialize in dentistry, but she cares deeply about each of her patients’ overall health and well-being. Because excellent oral health is essential for good overall health, Dr. Maina spends significant time with each patient educating them on ways to achieve better oral health and overall health. To ensure she remains at the forefront of dental innovations in techniques and technologies, Dr. Maina continually pursues continuing educational opportunities, to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Dental Cleaning
Zuri Dental offers both preventive dental cleanings and deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to treat gum disease. Arrestin (antibiotic medication) may be placed in the dental pockets during a deep cleaning to kill bacteria. Dr. Maina may also prescribe the Perio-Protect system to help you continue to safeguard your smile from gum disease at home.
Dental Sealants
As a preventive treatment for children, dental sealants fill in deep grooves in the molars, to prevent bacterial accumulation and decay (cavities).
Fluoride Treatment
Painless fluoride treatments help ensure the youngest members of your family develop strong, sufficiently mineralized teeth.
Custom Night Guards
For patients with signs of wear on the teeth due to clenching and grinding while sleeping, Dr. Maina may prescribe a custom night guard. Custom night guards protect the teeth and the jaw joint from cracked teeth, weakened teeth, and TMJ disorders.
Custom Mouthguards
Athletes of all ages benefit from much better protection of the teeth with a custom mouth guard manufactured specifically to fit your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care
How often should I schedule a routine dental appointment?
Patients of all ages should see the dentist twice yearly for oral exams and preventive care. However, it is always better to be late than never, so even if you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it is not too late to get your oral health back on track.
When should my child first see the dentist?
Your child should have their first oral health exam when they get their first tooth, or reach their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gum disease can be managed. Unfortunately, evidence shows that genetics make some people more likely to have recurring struggles with gum disease. However, with regular dental appointments, and a periodontal maintenance program, most patients can prevent recurrences of gum disease.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, discoloration in the gums, bleeding gums, toothache, facial pain, bumps on the gum, and loose teeth.
Do dental sealants hurt?
No. Dental sealants are not painful. On the contrary, they can help prevent up to 90% of potentially painful cavities in kids.
Is a custom night guard better than one from the store?
Absolutely. Custom night guards are made of premium plastic, to fit your mouth. Dr. Maina does not recommend over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all mouthguards as they may do more harm than good.
Is an electric toothbrush better than a regular toothbrush?
Some studies show that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. The type of toothbrush you use is less important than your dedication to two full minutes of brushing at least twice a day.
Is it better to floss or use a WaterPik?
Dental floss and water flossers are both effective at removing debris from between the teeth.
