General & Preventive Care

What Is General & Preventive Dentistry?

General and preventive dentistry encompasses the routine care that keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy — and catches small problems before they become costly, painful emergencies. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a professional exam and cleaning. These visits are the cornerstone of a lifetime of good oral health.

At Gentle Family Dentistry in Hampton, NH, general and preventive care is the heart of everything we do. Dr. Bei Li and our team take time at every visit to thoroughly evaluate your oral health and provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Dental Exam

A comprehensive exam is much more than a quick look at your teeth. Dr. Li evaluates your teeth for decay, your gums for signs of periodontal disease, your bite and jaw joints (TMJ), and your soft tissues for any abnormalities — including a head and neck oral cancer screening at every visit. Digital X-rays give us a detailed picture of areas between teeth and below the gumline that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Our digital X-ray system uses significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays while producing sharper, higher-quality images. You'll leave every exam with a complete understanding of your current oral health status and a personalized treatment plan if any concerns are found.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Even the most diligent brusher and flosser cannot remove all plaque and tartar at home. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) — a substance that can only be removed with professional instruments. Our dental hygienists gently and thoroughly remove buildup from all tooth surfaces, then polish your teeth to a smooth, clean finish. We also review your home care routine and offer personalized tips for brushing, flossing, and nutrition.

Patients with gum disease receive periodontal treatment and maintenance — deeper cleaning appointments that remove bacteria from below the gumline, stopping the progression of disease and protecting your teeth from bone loss.

Source: American Dental Association — Oral Health Recommendations

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps reverse early-stage tooth decay. The ADA recommends professional fluoride treatments for both children and adults at risk for cavities. At Gentle Family Dentistry, we apply a professional-strength fluoride varnish at your cleaning appointments — a quick, painless treatment that significantly reduces your cavity risk.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars), where most cavities in children and teenagers develop. The sealant flows into the deep grooves of the tooth, creating a physical barrier against bacteria and food debris. Sealants are quick, painless, and highly effective — studies show they reduce cavities in molars by nearly 80%.

We recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, but adults without decay or existing fillings in those teeth can also benefit.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early — and highly dangerous when it isn't. At every visit, Dr. Li performs a visual and tactile screening of your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, and jaw for any abnormalities. Early detection can be lifesaving. The ADA estimates that oral cancer claims over 54,000 lives per year in the United States, making regular screenings essential.

Caring for Children

We welcome patients of all ages, including the very youngest. The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits establish a positive relationship with dental care, allow us to monitor development, and give parents practical guidance on caring for baby teeth.