Preventive Dental Care in Hillsboro, OR

The foundation of excellent oral health is prevention. At East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, Oregon, Dr. Merat Ostovar and our dedicated team provide comprehensive preventive dental care that helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid costly treatments, and preserve your natural smile for a lifetime. Through regular checkups, professional cleanings, patient education, and early intervention, we help patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Preventive dentistry focuses on keeping your mouth healthy rather than treating problems after they develop. This proactive approach saves you time, money, and discomfort while protecting your investment in your smile. Whether you’re bringing your child for their first dental visit or maintaining your own oral health as an adult, preventive care is the smartest investment you can make in your well-being.

What Is Preventive Dental Care?

Preventive dental care encompasses all the measures taken to prevent dental problems before they start or catch them in their earliest, most treatable stages. This includes professional treatments performed in our office as well as daily habits you practice at home.

The American Dental Association recommends that most people visit the dentist twice a year for preventive care. These regular visits allow Dr. Ostovar to monitor your oral health, identify potential problems early, and provide professional cleaning and protective treatments that you can’t do at home.

Preventive care is especially important because many dental problems develop silently without obvious symptoms. By the time you notice pain or other signs of trouble, the problem may have progressed significantly. Regular preventive visits catch issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their earliest stages when treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable.

Core Components of Preventive Dental Care

Our comprehensive preventive care program includes several key services designed to protect your oral health:

Comprehensive Dental Examinations

Regular dental exams are the cornerstone of preventive care. During your examination, Dr. Ostovar thoroughly evaluates your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. He looks for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, bite problems, and other conditions that could affect your oral health.

We use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays, to see beneath the surface and identify problems that aren’t visible during a visual examination. Our digital X-ray technology uses up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays while providing superior image quality.

Dr. Ostovar also evaluates existing dental work, such as dental crowns, dental fillings, and other restorations, to ensure they’re functioning properly and show no signs of wear or failure.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Even with excellent home care, plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth over time, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Professional teeth cleaning removes these deposits, preventing cavities and gum disease while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Our skilled dental hygienists use specialized instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. They polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface that resists plaque accumulation. Finally, they floss between all your teeth to remove any remaining debris and check for areas that need extra attention in your home care routine.

Most patients need professional cleanings every six months, though some may benefit from more frequent visits based on their individual risk factors and oral health status.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a serious condition that’s highly treatable when caught early. During every preventive care visit, Dr. Ostovar performs a thorough oral cancer screening, examining your lips, tongue, throat, and all oral tissues for suspicious lesions, discolorations, or other abnormalities.

Early detection dramatically improves oral cancer treatment outcomes, making this screening an essential component of your preventive care. If we identify any areas of concern, we can arrange for further evaluation and, if necessary, biopsy to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities, especially in children and patients at higher risk for decay. We offer professional fluoride treatments that provide higher concentrations of this protective mineral than you get from toothpaste or drinking water.

The treatment is quick, painless, and provides lasting benefits for your oral health. Dr. Ostovar recommends fluoride treatments based on your age, cavity risk, and overall oral health status.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities in children occur. The sealant fills in the deep grooves and pits in these teeth, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to clean and more resistant to decay.

Sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, though adults with deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit. The application process is quick, painless, and can protect teeth from cavities for many years.

Customized Home Care Instruction

Proper home care is essential for maintaining oral health between professional visits. Our team provides personalized instruction on brushing techniques, flossing methods, and other home care practices tailored to your specific needs.

We help you select the right oral care products, demonstrate proper techniques, and address any challenges you’re experiencing with your home care routine. When you understand how to care for your teeth effectively and why it matters, you’re more likely to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Bite and TMJ Evaluation

Your bite alignment affects not only your oral health but also your overall comfort and well-being. During preventive visits, Dr. Ostovar evaluates your bite and checks for signs of temporomandibular joint disorders, teeth grinding, or other functional issues.

If we identify problems, we can recommend solutions such as night guards to protect against grinding, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, or other interventions to protect your teeth and improve your comfort.

Benefits of Preventive Dental Care

Investing in preventive care provides numerous advantages that extend far beyond your mouth:

Early Problem Detection

Regular preventive visits allow us to catch dental problems in their earliest stages, when treatment is simpler and less expensive. A small cavity can be treated with a simple filling, while an untreated cavity may eventually require root canal treatment or even extraction.

Cost Savings

Preventive care is the most cost-effective approach to dental health. The cost of regular cleanings and exams is far less than the expense of treating advanced decay, gum disease, or other problems that develop when preventive care is neglected. Most dental insurance plans recognize this value and cover preventive care at 100%.

Healthier Smile

Professional cleanings remove stains and keep your teeth looking their best, while preventing gum disease ensures healthy, pink gums that frame your smile attractively. Preventive care helps you maintain the natural beauty of your smile.

Better Overall Health

Research has established strong connections between oral health and overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and other systemic conditions. By maintaining excellent oral health through preventive care, you support your overall wellness.

Preserved Natural Teeth

Perhaps most importantly, preventive care helps you keep your natural teeth for life. While modern restorative dentistry offers excellent tooth replacement options like dental implants, nothing performs quite like healthy natural teeth.

Pain Prevention

Dental problems can cause significant pain and discomfort. Preventive care helps you avoid the toothaches, sensitivity, and other painful conditions that result from untreated dental disease.

Fresh Breath

Regular professional cleanings combined with good home care help prevent the bacterial buildup that causes bad breath, keeping your breath fresh and your confidence high.

Preventive Care for All Ages

Preventive dental care is important at every stage of life, and we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each age group:

Children and Teens

Early preventive care establishes the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. We welcome children for their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth emerges. These early visits help children become comfortable with dental care while allowing us to monitor their oral development.

Our pediatric dentistry services include age-appropriate cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and education about proper brushing and flossing techniques. We also monitor tooth eruption patterns and can identify early signs that orthodontic treatment may be beneficial.

Through our family dentistry approach, we can care for your entire family in one convenient location, making it easy to coordinate preventive care appointments.

Adults

Adult preventive care focuses on maintaining oral health, monitoring existing dental work, and catching problems early. We screen for gum disease, which becomes more common with age, and check for signs of teeth grinding, bite problems, and oral cancer.

We also discuss how changes in your health, medications, or lifestyle might affect your oral health and adjust our preventive recommendations accordingly.

Seniors

As we age, oral health needs change. Dry mouth from medications, gum recession, and wear on teeth and existing dental work are common concerns. Our preventive care for seniors addresses these unique challenges while helping maintain function and comfort.

For patients with dentures or other prosthetics, we provide regular evaluations to ensure proper fit and function.

Risk Assessment and Personalized Care Plans

Not everyone faces the same oral health risks. During your preventive care visits, Dr. Ostovar assesses your individual risk factors and develops a personalized prevention plan tailored to your needs.

Factors That Influence Your Risk Level

Genetics: Some people are genetically more prone to cavities, gum disease, or other oral health problems. If dental disease runs in your family, you may benefit from more frequent preventive visits.

Medical Conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions can increase your risk for dental problems. We consider your overall health when developing your prevention plan.

Medications: Many medications reduce saliva flow, increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease. We account for your medications when assessing your needs.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, diet, stress levels, and oral hygiene habits all impact your oral health. We help you understand how these factors affect your teeth and gums and work with you to develop healthy habits.

Previous Dental History: If you’ve had significant dental work, experienced gum disease, or have a history of frequent cavities, more intensive preventive care may be beneficial.

Customized Prevention Schedules

Based on your risk assessment, Dr. Ostovar recommends a preventive care schedule designed for your needs. While many patients thrive with visits every six months, others benefit from more frequent appointments every three or four months.

Patients with a history of gum disease treatment typically need more frequent cleanings to maintain their results and prevent recurrence. Those at high risk for cavities may benefit from additional fluoride treatments or more frequent monitoring.

Advanced Preventive Technologies

East Wind Dental Care utilizes advanced technology to enhance our preventive care services:

Digital X-Rays

Our digital X-ray system provides detailed images that help us identify problems invisible to the naked eye. We can detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, evaluate tooth roots, and monitor developing teeth in children, all with minimal radiation exposure.

Intraoral Cameras

These small, pen-sized cameras allow us to capture detailed images of individual teeth and show you exactly what we see. This technology helps you understand your oral health and make informed decisions about your care.

Laser Cavity Detection

Advanced laser technology can detect the earliest signs of tooth decay, even before cavities are visible on X-rays. This allows for the most minimally invasive treatments and, in some cases, the ability to remineralize teeth and prevent cavities from forming.

Digital Records

Our comprehensive digital record-keeping system allows us to track changes in your oral health over time, compare current images with previous exams, and identify trends that might indicate developing problems.

Home Care: Your Role in Prevention

Professional preventive care is only part of the equation. Your daily home care habits are equally important for maintaining oral health:

Proper Brushing

Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle, circular motions and make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth as well as your tongue.

Electric toothbrushes can be particularly effective and may be easier to use than manual brushes for some people. Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three to four months or sooner if bristles become frayed.

Daily Flossing

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make flossing a daily habit to prevent cavities between teeth and reduce your risk of gum disease.

If traditional floss is difficult to use, try floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. The most important thing is to clean between your teeth daily with whatever method works best for you.

Healthy Diet

What you eat affects your oral health. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which contribute to tooth decay. Choose tooth-healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and bacteria while keeping your mouth hydrated.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking and using other tobacco products significantly increase your risk for gum disease, oral cancer, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. If you use tobacco, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.

Protect Your Teeth

If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Ostovar about a night guard to prevent wear and damage.

The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and oral health significantly impacts overall wellness. Research has established links between gum disease and several serious health conditions:

Heart Disease: Bacteria from gum disease may enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Diabetes: Gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels, while diabetes increases susceptibility to gum disease. Managing both conditions together is essential.

Respiratory Problems: Bacteria from oral infections can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.

Pregnancy Complications: Gum disease during pregnancy has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Emerging research suggests possible connections between gum disease and cognitive decline.

By maintaining excellent oral health through preventive care, you’re also supporting your overall health and reducing your risk for these serious conditions.

Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Preventive Care

When it comes to preventive dentistry, experience and dedication matter. Here’s why families throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station trust East Wind Dental Care:

Comprehensive, Thorough Care

We don’t rush through appointments. Dr. Ostovar and our team take the time to provide thorough examinations and cleanings while getting to know you and your oral health needs.

Advanced Technology

Our investment in cutting-edge dental technology allows us to detect problems earlier and provide more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Patient Education

We believe informed patients make better decisions about their health. We take time to explain our findings, answer questions, and help you understand how to maintain optimal oral health.

Comfortable Environment

Our modern, welcoming office provides a comfortable setting for your preventive care. We understand that some patients feel anxious about dental visits, and we work hard to make every appointment pleasant and stress-free.

Convenient Scheduling

Located at 7546 NE Shaleen St in Hillsboro, we offer flexible scheduling with early morning and evening appointments available to fit your busy lifestyle.

Complete Dental Services

When preventive care identifies issues that need treatment, we provide comprehensive services from cosmetic dentistry to oral surgery, all in one convenient location.

Insurance and Affordability

Most dental insurance plans recognize the value of preventive care and cover preventive services at 100%, often with no out-of-pocket cost to you. This makes preventive care one of the most affordable aspects of dental health.

We accept most major dental insurance plans and will work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. Our team will verify your coverage and explain any costs before providing treatment.

For patients without insurance, we offer affordable self-pay rates for preventive services and can discuss payment options that fit your budget. Investing in preventive care now saves you money by avoiding more expensive treatments later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Care

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most people benefit from preventive care visits every six months. However, some patients need more frequent visits based on their risk factors, while others with excellent oral health might be fine with slightly less frequent appointments. Dr. Ostovar will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

Do I need X-rays at every visit?

No, routine X-rays are typically taken once a year or every two years, depending on your age and risk factors. Additional X-rays may be needed if we’re monitoring a specific condition or you’re experiencing symptoms.

Is preventive care really necessary if I’m not having problems?

Absolutely. Many dental problems develop without symptoms, and by the time you notice pain or other signs, the condition may have progressed significantly. Preventive care catches problems early when treatment is simpler and less expensive.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?

It’s never too late to start taking care of your oral health. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, Dr. Ostovar will perform a comprehensive examination to assess your current oral health and develop a treatment plan to address any issues and get you on track with preventive care.

Are dental sealants only for children?

While sealants are most commonly applied to children’s permanent molars soon after they erupt, adults with deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit from sealants, especially if they’re at increased risk for cavities.

How can I make my child less anxious about dental visits?

Start dental visits early and keep them positive. Our team is experienced in working with children and knows how to make visits fun and comfortable. Avoid using dental visits as threats or rewards, and maintain a positive attitude about dental care.

Do I still need regular preventive care if I have dental implants or dentures?

Yes. While implants and dentures can’t get cavities, you still need regular care to maintain healthy gums, check the condition of your restorations, and screen for oral cancer and other conditions.

Start Your Preventive Care Journey Today

The best time to start taking care of your oral health is now. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, haven’t been to the dentist in years, or want to establish care for your family, East Wind Dental Care is here to help.

Call our Hillsboro office today at (503) 614-0198 to schedule your preventive care appointment. Dr. Merat Ostovar and our caring team look forward to welcoming you to our dental family and helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, conveniently located to serve patients from Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, Orenco Station, and throughout the Portland area. Don’t wait for problems to develop. Take control of your oral health with comprehensive preventive care from East Wind Dental Care. Your healthiest, most beautiful smile starts with prevention.