Do I really need to visit the dentist every 6 months?

Yes. The ADA recommends every patient, regardless of age, attend routine appointments every six months. Plaque hardens into tartar within 24 hours, and tartar causes gum inflammation, gum disease and recession. Regular visits let us catch problems early enough to reverse them and save you time and money on more invasive treatments.

Is preventive care covered by insurance?

Preventive dental treatments are the most widely covered by dental insurance. Most plans cover cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants and oral cancer screenings at 80 to 100% of the cost. If you don't have insurance, our Smile Club membership includes all of this for a simple monthly price.

What should I do at home?

Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day (a water flosser helps with braces or bridges), drink plenty of water, and limit frequent snacking, sugar and acidic drinks.

Preventive Dentistry in Billerica, MA | North Billerica Smiles

Name: North Billerica Smiles
Address: 315 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA, 01862
Telephone: 978.262.0023

Keeping your teeth healthy and strong

At North Billerica Smiles, our dentists are here to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Great at-home oral hygiene and routine preventive visits can help you avoid oral health issues and keep your smile looking and feeling its best. If you're overdue for an appointment, call us at 978.262.0023 to schedule a visit.

Teeth cleanings & oral exams

The American Dental Association recommends that you get an oral exam and teeth cleaning every six months. During your appointment, our team will take X-rays to help diagnose any small, hidden issues. We'll clean and floss your teeth using professional-grade tools, and your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral health issues. If you've got a clean bill of health, we'll simply schedule your next routine visit in another six months.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments involve applying a layer of fluoride varnish, gel, or paste to your teeth, usually right after a cleaning. Fluoride strengthens your teeth by attracting beneficial minerals to your enamel. Routine fluoride treatments are often recommended for cavity-prone children, but are appropriate for patients of all ages.

Dental sealants

Dental sealants use a special liquid resin to coat your rear teeth and protect them from decay. The resin is hardened with UV light, forming a durable barrier that protects your enamel for up to five years or longer.

Periodontal care

We offer a full suite of periodontal care services to prevent and treat gum disease. If we find gum disease during your appointment, you will need a "deep cleaning" (scaling & root planing) to remove harmful plaque and tartar from between your teeth and gums and smooth your tooth roots. With proper at-home care, this is often enough to halt or reverse minor to moderate gum disease — the sooner you get a deep cleaning, the better your outcome.

Oral cancer screenings

Oral cancer is often hard to detect unless it's caught early by a dentist, so our doctors use advanced tools like intraoral cameras to look for signs of oral cancer at each six-month visit — particularly important if you have risk factors like excessive sun exposure, smoking, or HPV infection.

Preventive Dentistry