Preventive Dentistry in Palo Alto, CA

Preventive Treatment Options

A personalized approach to protecting your oral health.

No two smiles are exactly alike—and your preventive care shouldn’t be either. 

Our goal is simple: help you keep your teeth healthy, your gums strong, and your smile shining for years to come.

Digital X-Rays

Dental X-rays are one of the most valuable tools we have for spotting issues before they become visible or painful. At Mary Qian Dental Group, we use digital dental X-rays in Palo Alto to get a clear, high-resolution look at your teeth, gums, and bone health—all with less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

Digital X-rays are fast, safe, and more comfortable for patients. They help us:

• diagnose cavities between teeth
• monitor wisdom teeth
• assess bone levels
• evaluate dental emergencies with precision

Most patients receive X-rays once a year during their routine checkup, but we may recommend them more frequently if you’re experiencing pain or swelling or have a higher risk for dental problems.

With digital imaging, you get faster results, better diagnostics, and a more modern dental experience.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities—and it’s one of the easiest ways to boost your smile’s defenses.

We offer fluoride treatments for both kids and adults as part of routine preventive visits. After your cleaning, we simply apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel to your teeth. It’s quick, painless, and requires no downtime.

Fluoride works by attracting essential minerals like calcium and phosphate back into weakened enamel, which can even reverse early signs of tooth decay before a cavity forms.

If you’re prone to sensitivity, have deep grooves in your teeth, or just want extra protection between visits, fluoride is a smart, simple solution for long-term oral health.

Periodontal Care

Healthy gums are essential to a healthy smile. But gum disease is incredibly common—and often goes unnoticed in its early stages.

The good news? Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is reversible with professional cleanings and good home care. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form that can cause bone loss and even tooth loss over time.

That’s why regular checkups matter. At Mary Qian Dental Group, we provide gum disease treatment in Palo Alto to help patients manage and prevent further progression. For patients with periodontitis, we often recommend deep cleanings every three months to control bacteria and maintain gum health.

Whether you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession—or simply want to stay ahead of issues—we’re here with the care and guidance you need to protect your smile for life.

Night Guards

If you wake up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, or notice wear on your teeth, you may be grinding or clenching at night—often without even realizing it. A custom night guard can help protect your teeth and relieve the discomfort that comes with chronic grinding, also known as bruxism.

At Mary Qian Dental Group, we create custom-fit, lab-made night guards that form a soft but durable barrier between your teeth. This not only protects your enamel from wear and fracture but also reduces tension in your jaw muscles, helping ease symptoms of TMJ and allowing for more restful sleep.

Many patients report less jaw pain, fewer headaches, and better sleep after just a few nights of wearing their guard. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to protect your smile—and your quality of life.

Sports Guards

Whether it’s football, soccer, mountain biking, or martial arts—active lifestyles come with risks to your smile. That’s why we offer custom sports mouth guards designed to protect your teeth, jaw, and soft tissues during high-impact or contact sports.

Our guards are fully custom-fit, making them more comfortable and effective than store-bought versions. They won’t interfere with breathing or performance—so you (or your child) can focus on the game, not the gear.

Does your teen play sports at Palo Alto High School—or is he a Titan on the Gunn High team? Maybe you or your child trains at a local jiu-jitsu gym like Caio Terra Academy or Serao Academy? If so, a properly fitted guard can make all the difference in preventing dental trauma.

From youth athletes to weekend warriors, we’re here to help keep your smile safe—so you can keep doing what you love.

Why Preventive Dental Care Matters

Preventive visits are about more than just cleaning your teeth—they’re one of the smartest ways to protect your long-term health. Here’s why it matters:

• Catch problems early – Spot small issues like cavities, gum disease, or enamel wear before they become painful or costly

• Avoid complex, expensive treatments – Stay ahead of problems and reduce the need for procedures like root canals or extractions

• Preserve your natural teeth – Keep your smile strong and functional for the long run

• Support total-body health – Oral health is linked to heart health, inflammation, and more

• Feel more confident – A clean, healthy smile goes a long way—for your well-being and your self-esteem

A healthier, lasting smile starts with prevention—and we’re here to make that part easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist for preventive care?

We recommend a checkup and cleaning every six months for most patients. However, if you have gum disease or other risk factors, Dr. Qian may suggest more frequent visits to keep your oral health on track.

Are fluoride treatments and sealants safe for adults?

Yes! While they’re often used for kids and teens, fluoride treatments and dental sealants are just as effective for adults, especially those prone to cavities or with deep grooves in their molars. They’re quick, painless, and a smart preventive step at any age.

What’s the difference between a night guard and a sports guard?

A night guard is worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching. A sports guard is worn during athletic activities to protect your teeth and jaw from injury. Both are custom-made but serve different purposes—Dr. Qian can help you decide which one you need.

Is preventive care covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services at 100%, including exams, cleanings, x-rays, and sometimes fluoride or sealants. While we’re not in-network, we’re happy to file claims on your behalf and help you maximize your benefits.