-  Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Preventative Dentistry

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-  Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Preventative Dentistry

Request Appointment
Blank white horizontal banner with a thin light-gray border along the top and bottom edges

Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry is the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile, extending far beyond the brushing and flossing routines we learn as children. A comprehensive approach to oral wellness includes regular dental exams, professional cleanings, routine X-rays, and mindful lifestyle choices like proper nutrition. Visiting the dentist regularly, typically twice a year, though tailored to your unique health history, allows for the immediate identification and treatment of issues. If it has been a while since your last checkup, the compassionate team at Burba Dental Partners is ready to help you prioritize your health.


Investing in preventative care not only protects your smile from painful cavities and gum disease, but it also safeguards your entire body and your budget. Because the mouth serves as an entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of secondary complications like respiratory and heart disease, or compounding chronic conditions like diabetes. Furthermore, staying proactive can save you from costly restorative treatments down the road.

Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry is the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile, extending far beyond the brushing and flossing routines we learn as children. A comprehensive approach to oral wellness includes regular dental exams, professional cleanings, routine X-rays, and mindful lifestyle choices like proper nutrition. Visiting the dentist regularly, typically twice a year, though tailored to your unique health history, allows for the immediate identification and treatment of issues. If it has been a while since your last checkup, the compassionate team at Burba Dental Partners is ready to help you prioritize your health.


Investing in preventative care not only protects your smile from painful cavities and gum disease, but it also safeguards your entire body and your budget. Because the mouth serves as an entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of secondary complications like respiratory and heart disease, or compounding chronic conditions like diabetes. Furthermore, staying proactive can save you from costly restorative treatments down the road.

Dental Cleaning & Examinations

A routine dental cleaning and examination is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy, bright, and free of disease. These regular visits—recommended every six months—are completely routine and designed to be simple, efficient, and comfortable. Not only do they keep your teeth looking their best, but they also give our team a chance to ensure your at-home routine is working perfectly and address any minor concerns before they turn into larger issues.


Have sensitive teeth? Please let us know at the start of your appointment! We can easily modify our techniques and use special methods to keep you completely comfortable.

Dental Cleaning & Examinations

A routine dental cleaning and examination is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy, bright, and free of disease. These regular visits—recommended every six months—are completely routine and designed to be simple, efficient, and comfortable. Not only do they keep your teeth looking their best, but they also give our team a chance to ensure your at-home routine is working perfectly and address any minor concerns before they turn into larger issues.


Have sensitive teeth? Please let us know at the start of your appointment! We can easily modify our techniques and use special methods to keep you completely comfortable.

- What to Expect During Your Visit -

- What to Expect During Your Visit -

If you feel a little anxious or haven't visited the dentist in a while, knowing what happens can help you feel completely at ease:

A Welcoming Conversation

We will chat about your dental history, any changes to your health, current medications, and any specific anxieties you might have so we can customize your care.

The Initial Visual Check

We gently examine your mouth using a small, angled mirror to check for signs of decay, inflammation, gum recession, or dental pockets (spaces between gums and teeth that indicate gum disease). We also perform a routine oral cancer screening.

Safe Digital X-rays

If you are a new patient, quick X-rays allow us to check the tooth roots beneath your gum line that are otherwise invisible.

Gentle Scaling

We use a specialized tool called a scaler to gently lift away plaque and tartar buildup from around your gum line and between your teeth.

Polishing & Professional Flossing

We use an electric spinning brush and a gritty paste to polish your teeth smooth, making it harder for plaque to stick to them in the future. We then carefully floss between each tooth.

A Refreshing Rinse

Your visit finishes with a refreshing water or fluoride mouthwash rinse, leaving your mouth feeling completely fresh.

- What to Expect During Your Visit -

- What to Expect During Your Visit -

If you feel a little anxious or haven't visited the dentist in a while, knowing what happens can help you feel completely at ease:

A Welcoming Conversation

We will chat about your dental history, any changes to your health, current medications, and any specific anxieties you might have so we can customize your care.

The Initial Visual Check

We gently examine your mouth using a small, angled mirror to check for signs of decay, inflammation, gum recession, or dental pockets (spaces between gums and teeth that indicate gum disease). We also perform a routine oral cancer screening.

Safe Digital X-rays

If you are a new patient, quick X-rays allow us to check the tooth roots beneath your gum line that are otherwise invisible.

Gentle Scaling

We use a specialized tool called a scaler to gently lift away plaque and tartar buildup from around your gum line and between your teeth.

Polishing & Professional Flossing

We use an electric spinning brush and a gritty paste to polish your teeth smooth, making it harder for plaque to stick to them in the future. We then carefully floss between each tooth.

A Refreshing Rinse

Your visit finishes with a refreshing water or fluoride mouthwash rinse, leaving your mouth feeling completely fresh.

- Advanced Preventative Treatments to Consider -

Depending on your unique smile and family history, our team may suggest a few extra protective steps to strengthen your teeth and shield them against decay. These treatments are quick, highly effective, and entirely non-invasive:

- Advanced Preventative Treatments to Consider -

Depending on your unique smile and family history, our team may suggest a few extra protective steps to strengthen your teeth and shield them against decay. These treatments are quick, highly effective, and entirely non-invasive:

Simple gray outline of a tooth icon on a white background

Topical Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments provide an extra layer of defense that strengthens your tooth enamel, making it highly resistant to cavities. While we routinely provide these treatments to children under 18, we may also recommend a specialized fluoride gel for daily home use if you are naturally predisposed to cavities.

Simple gray outline of a tooth icon on a white background

Protective Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, clear, or tooth-colored plastic coatings painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They act like a raincoat for your teeth, shielding the deep grooves from food debris and cavity-causing bacteria, and take less than an hour to complete.

Simple gray outline of a tooth icon on a white background

Topical Fluoride Treatments

Topical Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments provide an extra layer of defense that strengthens your tooth enamel, making it highly resistant to cavities. While we routinely provide these treatments to children under 18, we may also recommend a specialized fluoride gel for daily home use if you are naturally predisposed to cavities.

Simple gray outline of a tooth icon on a white background

Protective Dental Sealants

Protective Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, clear, or tooth-colored plastic coatings painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They act like a raincoat for your teeth, shielding the deep grooves from food debris and cavity-causing bacteria, and take less than an hour to complete.

Routine Dental Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings

What is the Difference?

The difference between a standard six-month cleaning and a deep cleaning comes down to whether we are cleaning above or below your gum line. A routine cleaning is a regular preventive appointment that focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth to keep your mouth fresh and prevent disease. However, if regular visits are missed, bacteria and tartar can travel deep into the natural pockets between your teeth and gums, potentially leading to gum disease and tooth loss. To treat this, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes beneath the gum line to clear buildup off the tooth roots so your gums can heal and reattach beautifully. Because this treatment goes deeper, we use a local anesthetic to ensure you remain completely comfortable, and we may prescribe specialized antibiotics to help fight the bacteria and ensure your smile heals perfectly.

Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are wonderful, highly versatile dental devices that provide essential protection and comfort for both children and adults. While they are a must-have for protecting athletes from sudden sports injuries, these comfortable plastic guards do so much more: they safely shield your tongue, gums, and cheeks from unexpected trauma. They are especially important for anyone wearing braces, acting as a gentle barrier to prevent metal brackets from scratching or injuring the soft tissues of your mouth during physical activities.


Beyond injury prevention, custom mouthguards are an incredible solution for soothing chronic nighttime discomforts like clenching, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea. By gently separating your upper and lower teeth, a dedicated nightguard absorbs the pressure, protecting your smile from excessive wear and tear while relieving the muscle tension that causes jaw pain and severe headaches. Investing in a durable, custom-fitted mouthguard is a simple, effective way to preserve your oral health and wake up feeling your absolute best!

- Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards -

Participating in sports is a wonderful way to stay active, but keeping your smile safe is just as important as protecting the rest of your body. A custom-fitted sports mouthguard acts as an essential piece of athletic gear, using comfortable, flexible plastic to cushion your teeth, absorb the shock of hard hits, and stabilize your jaw. Unlike bulky, uncomfortable store-bought options that make it tough to breathe or talk, a personalized mouthguard from Burba Dental Partners in Salem is tailored to fit you perfectly. It is a simple, worry-free investment that gives your favorite athlete a vital line of defense against painful, costly emergencies so they can play with total confidence!

  • Preventing Broken or Lost Teeth

    A hard blow to the face without a protective cushion can easily crack, fracture, or completely knock out a tooth. A mouthguard absorbs the shock of these impacts, preventing severe dental emergencies and saving you from a lifetime of restorative dental care.

  • Minimizing Jaw & Soft Tissue Injuries

    Mouthguards cushion the jaw to greatly reduce the severity of impact injuries. They also act as a shield over your hard teeth, preventing them from puncturing or lacerating your lips, tongue, and cheeks during a collision.

  • A Gentle Barrier for Braces

    Braces present a unique safety hazard, as a hit to the face can cause metal brackets and wires to painfully rip into the soft tissues of the mouth. A custom dental mouthguard can be precisely designed for both the upper and lower teeth to protect your smile and keep your orthodontic appliances safe.

  • Superior Comfort & Safety

    Generic "boil-and-bite" guards use a weak, one-size-fits-all material that tears easily, fits poorly, and can restrict a player's ability to breathe and speak clearly. A custom-engineered mouthguard ensures optimal thickness in critical areas while still allowing the athlete to communicate easily with teammates.

- Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards -

Participating in sports is a wonderful way to stay active, but keeping your smile safe is just as important as protecting the rest of your body. A custom-fitted sports mouthguard acts as an essential piece of athletic gear, using comfortable, flexible plastic to cushion your teeth, absorb the shock of hard hits, and stabilize your jaw. Unlike bulky, uncomfortable store-bought options that make it tough to breathe or talk, a personalized mouthguard from Burba Dental Partners in Salem is tailored to fit you perfectly. It is a simple, worry-free investment that gives your favorite athlete a vital line of defense against painful, costly emergencies so they can play with total confidence!

  • Preventing Broken or Lost Teeth

    A hard blow to the face without a protective cushion can easily crack, fracture, or completely knock out a tooth. A mouthguard absorbs the shock of these impacts, preventing severe dental emergencies and saving you from a lifetime of restorative dental care.

  • Minimizing Jaw & Soft Tissue Injuries

    Mouthguards cushion the jaw to greatly reduce the severity of impact injuries. They also act as a shield over your hard teeth, preventing them from puncturing or lacerating your lips, tongue, and cheeks during a collision.

  • A Gentle Barrier for Braces

    Braces present a unique safety hazard, as a hit to the face can cause metal brackets and wires to painfully rip into the soft tissues of the mouth. A custom dental mouthguard can be precisely designed for both the upper and lower teeth to protect your smile and keep your orthodontic appliances safe.

  • Superior Comfort & Safety

    Generic "boil-and-bite" guards use a weak, one-size-fits-all material that tears easily, fits poorly, and can restrict a player's ability to breathe and speak clearly. A custom-engineered mouthguard ensures optimal thickness in critical areas while still allowing the athlete to communicate easily with teammates.

Oral Cancer Screening

The Importance of Early Detection

Regular oral cancer screenings are just as vital as your routine dental checkups, and for your convenience, both can be performed at the same time. According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer symptoms typically do not appear until the disease has already spread. Routine screenings give you the powerful advantage of catching abnormal cells in their earliest stages, making treatment much more effective and significantly increasing the chances of successful remission. While a simple visual exam has limitations and cannot guarantee every precancerous lesion is caught, staying proactive is your best line of defense. If any unusual cells are ever discovered, a follow-up appointment or a quick biopsy (a laboratory test of a small cell sample) will be arranged to provide a definitive answer and guide your next steps.

- Who is Most at Risk? -

While these screenings are highly beneficial for everyone, certain individuals are in higher-risk groups and should be particularly diligent. You may have an increased risk for oral cancer if you have:

  • Tobacco Use

    A history of using tobacco in any form.

  • Heavy Alcohol Consumption

    Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol.

  • Sun Exposure

    Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun.

  • Certain Viral Infections

    A history of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

  • Medical History

    A personal history of oral cancer.

- Who is Most at Risk? -

While these screenings are highly beneficial for everyone, certain individuals are in higher-risk groups and should be particularly diligent. You may have an increased risk for oral cancer if you have:

  • Tobacco Use

    A history of using tobacco in any form.

  • Heavy Alcohol Consumption

    Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol.

  • Sun Exposure

    Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun.

  • Certain Viral Infections

    A history of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

  • Medical History

    A personal history of oral cancer.

- Preventative Dentistry FAQs -

  • What Makes Custom-Fit Mouth & Nightguards Better?

    The highest quality materials comprise custom-fit mouthguards and nightguards, made from a mold of your teeth. Tailored to your individual needs, they fit better and remain more durable. A custom-fit mouthguard offers a return on investment in your long-term oral health.


    Over-the-counter appliances may provide some protection, but they often fit poorly. Many patients find these devices clunky and uncomfortable. Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly and consist of a weaker material — which just won't cut it when playing contact sports.


    Custom-fitted mouthguards and night guards are designed with your unique needs in mind. 

  • What Should I Expect During My Oral Cancer Screening?

    An oral cancer screening is quick, completely painless, and requires absolutely no special preparation on your part. In fact, the entire process takes less than five minutes. During the exam, your dentist will gently and thoroughly look at all areas of your mouth, including:


    • The roof of your mouth and the back of your throat.
    • The gums and the insides of your cheeks.
    • The tongue, as well as the inside and outside of your lips.
    • The area underneath your jaw. (Note: If you wear dentures, you will simply be asked to remove them so we can carefully check the tissue underneath.)

    Depending on your unique risk factors, your dentist may use advanced, non-invasive tests to look even deeper. This can include having you rinse with a special blue dye to make unusual cells easily visible, or using a specialized light that causes abnormal tissues to "highlight" and appear white.

  • How Do I Clean My Mouth Guard?

    Clean and dry your dental mouth guard after every use to prevent bacteria from growing. Once you remove your mouth guard, rinse it under cold water and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it in its own ventilated box, and make sure to keep it away from any heat source.

  • I Brush My Teeth Every Day. Why Do I Need X-Rays & a Professional Cleaning?

    Regular care and professional cleanings from a dentist are a major component of preventative dental care. Brushing alone does not get all of the plaque and tartar that can become trapped in the ridges of your teeth. Once tartar has developed, you are more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.


    X-rays are an important diagnostic tool to help identify problems inside your teeth or beneath the gum line before they become a more serious problem. This can potentially save you money and unnecessary pain.

  • What Happens If Someone Waits Too Long For a Dental Checkup?

    Bacteria naturally attach to the surface of the teeth as they are used to eat. While at-home oral care can help to remove much of this bacteria, it is next to impossible to remove all of it without professional dental tools. Waiting too long between dental checkups gives these bacteria time to settle onto the teeth and turn into plaque and tartar. If this buildup is not removed, it could lead to tooth decay or disease over time and create further oral health concerns.

  • How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?

    If taken care of properly, a custom-fit mouthguard can last for several years. However, our dentist should evaluate it during your checkups to make sure it still fits properly. A poorly-fitting mouthguard does not remain effective.

  • What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

    In addition to possessing certain risk factors, patients should see a dentist immediately if they notice the following:


    • Changes in denture fit
    • Difficulty or discomfort swallowing
    • Diminished ability to perform normal oral functions (such as chewing, opening jaw, swallowing)
    • Mouth sores or ulcers, especially if they bleed easily or do not heal
    • Pain and tenderness in teeth or gums
    • Red or white patches in the mouth
    • Unexplained lump in the neck, throat, or floor of the mouth
    • Unexplained swelling or fullness in the neck
    • Visible changes in the mouth tissue

  • How Can I Decrease My Chances of Getting Oral Cancer?

    As of yet, there are no proven ways of completely preventing oral cancer. However, a general healthful lifestyle may help minimize your chances. Reducing your alcohol consumption, along with stopping or avoiding any tobacco use, may prevent exposing the cells in the mouth to any dangerous chemicals. Keeping an everyday sun protection regimen that involves putting sunscreen on your lips can also help, as can regular dental checkups.

- Preventative Dentistry FAQs -

  • I Brush My Teeth Every Day. Why Do I Need X-Rays & a Professional Cleaning?

    Regular care and professional cleanings from a dentist are a major component of preventative dental care. Brushing alone does not get all of the plaque and tartar that can become trapped in the ridges of your teeth. Once tartar has developed, you are more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.


    X-rays are an important diagnostic tool to help identify problems inside your teeth or beneath the gum line before they become a more serious problem. This can potentially save you money and unnecessary pain.

  • What Makes Custom-Fit Mouth & Nightguards Better?

    The highest quality materials comprise custom-fit mouthguards and nightguards, made from a mold of your teeth. Tailored to your individual needs, they fit better and remain more durable. A custom-fit mouthguard offers a return on investment in your long-term oral health.


    Over-the-counter appliances may provide some protection, but they often fit poorly. Many patients find these devices clunky and uncomfortable. Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly and consist of a weaker material — which just won't cut it when playing contact sports.


    Custom-fitted mouthguards and night guards are designed with your unique needs in mind. 

  • How Do I Clean My Mouth Guard?

    Clean and dry your dental mouth guard after every use to prevent bacteria from growing. Once you remove your mouth guard, rinse it under cold water and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it in its own ventilated box, and make sure to keep it away from any heat source.

  • What Should I Expect During My Oral Cancer Screening?

    An oral cancer screening is quick, completely painless, and requires absolutely no special preparation on your part. In fact, the entire process takes less than five minutes. During the exam, your dentist will gently and thoroughly look at all areas of your mouth, including:


    • The roof of your mouth and the back of your throat.
    • The gums and the insides of your cheeks.
    • The tongue, as well as the inside and outside of your lips.
    • The area underneath your jaw. (Note: If you wear dentures, you will simply be asked to remove them so we can carefully check the tissue underneath.)

    Depending on your unique risk factors, your dentist may use advanced, non-invasive tests to look even deeper. This can include having you rinse with a special blue dye to make unusual cells easily visible, or using a specialized light that causes abnormal tissues to "highlight" and appear white.

  • What Happens If Someone Waits Too Long For a Dental Checkup?

    Bacteria naturally attach to the surface of the teeth as they are used to eat. While at-home oral care can help to remove much of this bacteria, it is next to impossible to remove all of it without professional dental tools. Waiting too long between dental checkups gives these bacteria time to settle onto the teeth and turn into plaque and tartar. If this buildup is not removed, it could lead to tooth decay or disease over time and create further oral health concerns.

  • How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Last?

    If taken care of properly, a custom-fit mouthguard can last for several years. However, our dentist should evaluate it during your checkups to make sure it still fits properly. A poorly-fitting mouthguard does not remain effective.

  • What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

    In addition to possessing certain risk factors, patients should see a dentist immediately if they notice the following:


    • Changes in denture fit
    • Difficulty or discomfort swallowing
    • Diminished ability to perform normal oral functions (such as chewing, opening jaw, swallowing)
    • Mouth sores or ulcers, especially if they bleed easily or do not heal
    • Pain and tenderness in teeth or gums
    • Red or white patches in the mouth
    • Unexplained lump in the neck, throat, or floor of the mouth
    • Unexplained swelling or fullness in the neck
    • Visible changes in the mouth tissue

  • How Can I Decrease My Chances of Getting Oral Cancer?

    As of yet, there are no proven ways of completely preventing oral cancer. However, a general healthful lifestyle may help minimize your chances. Reducing your alcohol consumption, along with stopping or avoiding any tobacco use, may prevent exposing the cells in the mouth to any dangerous chemicals. Keeping an everyday sun protection regimen that involves putting sunscreen on your lips can also help, as can regular dental checkups.

White rounded horizontal strip with a black border on a white background.

- Burba  Dental  Partners  -

Changing Lives One Smile At A Time.

Your smile is one of your greatest assets, and proactive preventative care is the absolute best way to keep it healthy, beautiful, and free of decay or disease. Instead of waiting for minor symptoms to worsen into painful, expensive dental emergencies, routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months allow our team to catch potential issues early. From comprehensive cleanings and vital oral cancer screenings to custom athletic mouthguards and protective night guards for teeth grinding, we provide the personalized care you need to protect your teeth and enjoy total peace of mind. If it has been a while since your last checkup, don't wait to prioritize your health: call us today at (978) 744-7575 or schedule your appointment online!