Encourage your patients to understand the power of a healthy, radiant smile — and to feel confident continuing good oral hygiene at home. Our range of preventive dentistry products, from fluoride varnishes and oral rinses to prophy pastes and more, is designed to support patients in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, while reducing the risk of dental problems before they start or worsen. Protect against tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections with our selection of over-the-counter, professional and prescription-strength solutions from top manufacturers like Solventum and Colgate, along with our dedicated Henry Schein® Brand product portfolio. 
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What is Dental Preventive Care?

Preventive dentistry involves a combination of professional dental care — in the form of prophylaxis, fluoride treatments and patient education — as well as at-home oral hygiene routines to keep patients’ oral health front and center.

Prophylaxis

Dental prophy angles and prophy paste are essential during prophylaxis to achieve proper cleaning and polishing. The abrasive particles found in prophy paste, combined with the rotational power of a prophy angle (when attached to a dental handpiece), help ensure thorough plaque and stain removal — leaving enamel feeling smooth and polished.

In-Office Preventive Treatments

Professional fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish, as well as products like dental sealants, are vital components of preventive dentistry. Together, they provide an extra layer of defense against tooth decay and gum disease, with benefits ranging from preventing food and bacteria from settling into grooves and pits, to strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of dental caries.

At-Home Dental Hygiene Products

Preventive dentistry is just as important in the office as it is in a patient’s home. That’s why providing comprehensive, easy-to-follow instruction is crucial. Daily or general use products span anywhere from manual and electric toothbrushes to mouthwashes and toothpastes — including those that contain fluoride — all of which help to establish simple, everyday routines for better oral health.

At-Home vs. In-Office Fluoride Treatments

As clinicians, it’s important to educate patients on the differences between at-home and in-office fluoride treatments. Although both help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, there are key differences between the two:

  • Professional Guidance: While at-home fluoride treatments give patients the flexibility to use fluoride products on their own schedule, in-office supervision ensures fluoride is applied accurately and effectively by a qualified dental hygienist or clinician.
  • Concentration: Most at-home fluoride products are intended for daily, unsupervised application, which means they typically contain lower levels of fluoride than in-office treatments.
  • Product Type: At-home fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash are two of the most common products that patients can readily find on their own. In-office fluoride, on the other hand, offers additional product types not available in stores, including gels and varnishes.
  • Frequency: At-home fluoride products are generally meant for everyday use, whereas in-office fluoride treatments are usually recommended at specific intervals (e.g. every six months).
  • Patient Type: At-home fluoride is suitable for all patients looking to include fluoride as part of their day-to-day routine. Pediatric patients or those with a history and/or risk of cavities, tooth decay or other dental issues can benefit from in-office treatments.

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Innovations in Preventive Dentistry

Patient education and regular dental check-ups are the foundation for effective preventive dentistry. But it doesn’t stop there. Product advancements, such as smart toothbrushes and advanced sealant materials, help contribute to more efficient, patient-friendly and personalized approaches, too. Fortunately, there have been many innovations in preventive dentistry, particularly around dental caries maintenance, including products designed to rebuild and repair enamel at the first signs of breakdown. Curodont™ Repair Fluoride Plus, for example, is a non-invasive, drill-free chairside product that uses calcium, phosphate and minerals found in the patient’s saliva to strengthen and remineralize the entire enamel layer. Staying up to date on product advancements like these is a crucial step toward providing optimal oral care and offering the most cutting-edge preventive measures for your patients.

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Educational Resources on Dental Preventives

3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Varnish Application Demo

Michelle Strange, RDH, shows how to properly apply ‪3M Clinpro Clear Fluoride Varnish for effective cavity prevention and patient comfort.

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What is Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus? Answering Your FAQs!

Michelle Strange, RDH, answers the most frequently asked questions about this innovative, non-invasive remineralization technology.

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