At McKenzie Dental Center, we are dedicated to providing the best dental care possible to our patients, which is why we emphasize preventive dentistry for our patients. Prevention is a large motivating factor for our team and is one of the reasons team members joined the field of dentistry. Thus, our treatment plans highly emphasize education, finding the right tools, staying current with the latest technology, and establishing a consistent care routine.
What is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dental care is about preventing oral diseases and maintaining a lifelong healthy smile through preventative actions, with actions ranging from regular brushing, flossing, toothpaste that contains fluoride, regular exams, cleanings, and maintaining a healthy diet.¹ At McKenzie Dental Center preventive dental care is one of the main pillars of our mission, as proper care can help our patients be healthy.
Preventive dentistry can benefit people who have teeth and even people who don’t.² Behavioral choices, such as, sugary or acidic foods and drinks can cause decay or erosion, a dentist or dental hygienist is able to customize and offer treatments that can help support your teeth and gums.² Because oral health is essential to health and wellness,³ preventive dental care can reduce risk for tooth decay, wear, receding gums, and more.¹
Common Preventive Dental Care Questions?
- Who is it for?
- Why do I need it?
- Is it actually effective?
Cleanings & Exams
By establishing a personalized treatment plan that involves regular cleanings and exam schedule with our patients, we are able to set a strong foundation for each of our patients. We believe that our patients’ teeth are as unique as them, and in many instances having a personalized schedule, e.g., two cleanings a year, and regular brushing and flossing regimen, could prevent costly dental procedures or catch dental issues early.
“I was so impressed by the team at McKenzie Dental Center, they respected my wishes in keeping my wisdom teeth, but let me know about a special tooth brush called an end tuft, which allowed me to reach the hard-to-reach area. They even gave me one!”
Fluoride Treatment
Where necessary, we have extra preventive maintenance and treatment measures that can be applied to help protect a tooth. Treatments such as fluoride, while a naturally occurring mineral and found in most toothpaste, can be applied in a variety of ways with varying levels of content.⁴ During dental cleanings, our hygienists are looking at a wide variety of factors on how to create the right treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with your dental hygienist, dentist, or dental assistant, as they may be able to answer your questions!
Digital X-Rays
X-Rays are vital to our operation, they help us screen for various dental and health problems without invasive alternative methods. X-Rays are also apart of routine dental exams, where a dentist will check for signs of dental problems and issues.⁵ At our office, we have a 3D CBCT scanner that can provide additional data that a traditional X-Ray may not be able to provide.
Guards - Nightguards and Sports Guards
Dental mouth guards are needed for various reasons, but the right guard for the situation is important. There are important differences between sports and night guards.⁶ Many people, who grind and clench their teeth are unaware, and usually their dentist or dental hygienist find out first.⁶ We work with our patients to ensure that the custom mouthguards fit, are comfortable and effective, and preserve the health of their teeth.
Our team. Our Passion. Our commitment.
Our team is comprised of dental professionals who are passionate about dentistry, helping our patients, and preventive care. We are motivated by advocating for preventive dentistry with our patients and in the community, and will stay committed to providing the best services that we can to keep our patients healthy. We look forward to collaborating with you to create a personalized prevention plan that’s right for you!
Small Steps Now,
Big Smiles For Life
Preventive care is one of the easiest ways to protect your teeth, gums, and overall health for the long haul. At McKenzie Dental Center in Springfield, OR, our trusted providers focus on making prevention comfortable, convenient, and personalized. From routine cleanings to protective treatments, we’re here to help residents of Eugene and Springfield keep their smile healthy year after year. Book your preventive dentistry appointment today and invest in a lifetime of confident smiles.
references
1. Delta Dental. What is preventive dental care? Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.deltadental.com/protect-my-smile/oral-health-habits/preventive-dental-care/
2. Oral Health Foundation. Preventive care and oral hygiene. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.dentalhealth.org/preventive-care-and-oral-hygiene
3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Facts. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
4. Oral Health Foundation. Fluoride. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.dentalhealth.org/fluoride
5. Delta Dental. Dental 101: Dental exams. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.deltadental.com/protect-my-smile/visiting-the-dentist/what-happens-during-a-dental-checkup/
6. American Dental Association. Teeth grinding and jaw pain. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding