Preventative Dentistry in Encinitas – Keeping Your Smile Healthy for Life
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we believe the best dental care starts before problems ever begin. Our focus on preventative dentistry in Encinitas helps families and individuals protect their smiles through regular care, education, and early detection of issues—before they become bigger concerns.
We’re here to support you and your family at every stage, with a warm, judgment-free environment and personalized care that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for a routine check-up or looking for proactive ways to protect your oral health, our team is here to make prevention easy, comfortable, and effective.
What Is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the foundation of lifelong oral health. It includes the practices, tools, and education that help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid dental problems like cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, or even oral cancer.
At our Encinitas dental office, preventative care means:
Catching problems early
Educating you on proper home care
Protecting teeth before damage occurs
Supporting your overall health—not just your mouth
From children to seniors, everyone benefits from a strong preventative routine.
Our Preventative Services
We offer a full range of preventative dental care to support every patient’s long-term oral and general health. While each of these services will have its own page, here’s a quick overview of what we offer:
Cleanings and Exams
Routine dental cleanings and exams are the cornerstone of preventative care. We recommend visiting at least twice a year to remove plaque, check for cavities, and monitor your gum health.
X-Rays (2D and 3D)
Digital X-rays help us see beyond what the eye can detect. We use both 2D and 3D imaging to catch issues like bone loss, impacted teeth, or hidden decay.
Sealants and Fluoride
Dental sealants protect the grooves of molars from cavities, especially in children, while fluoride strengthens enamel to prevent decay. These simple treatments are quick, effective, and completely painless.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Early detection saves lives. We include oral cancer screenings during routine visits to identify suspicious lesions or tissue changes before they become serious.
Nutrition and Overall Health
Your dental health is closely connected to your overall well-being. We provide personalized guidance on how nutrition, hydration, and exercise impact your oral health, helping you make choices that support your whole-body wellness.
Brushing, Flossing & Home Habits
We don’t just clean your teeth—we empower you to care for them between visits. Our team offers practical, personalized tips for brushing, flossing, and forming habits that work for you and your family.
Why Preventative Care Matters
Preventative dentistry does more than just protect your teeth—it saves time, money, and discomfort in the long run. By addressing small issues early or preventing them altogether, you can avoid more complex treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Here’s what consistent preventative care helps reduce the risk of:
Cavities and tooth decay
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Bad breath (halitosis)
Tooth loss
Jawbone deterioration
Oral infections
Higher dental costs later on
Our patients often tell us they feel more in control of their health when they commit to regular care—and we love being part of that journey.
Care for Every Age and Life Stage
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S., we welcome patients of all ages. Whether your child is getting their first check-up or you’re a senior looking to maintain your natural teeth, our care is always tailored to meet your needs.
Kids and Teens – We focus on early education, healthy habits, and preventative tools like sealants and fluoride.
Adults – We help busy adults stay on top of their oral health with flexible scheduling and practical advice for home care.
Seniors – As we age, dental needs change. We offer solutions that preserve comfort, function, and dignity for older adults.
No matter your age or background, you’ll receive the same level of compassion and attention every time you visit us.
A Local Practice That Truly Cares
When you choose preventative dentistry in Encinitas, you deserve care that feels personal and sincere. At our office, we’ve built strong relationships with generations of local families who trust us to keep their smiles healthy and bright.
Why patients love us:
Friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere
Clear communication and education
Latest technology for early detection and gentle care
Convenient location and easy scheduling
Focus on long-term wellness, not just short-term fixes
We’re not here to upsell—we’re here to empower. We want you to feel informed, confident, and cared for at every visit.
Preventative Dentistry and Whole-Body Health
Your mouth is more connected to the rest of your body than you might think. Preventative dental care doesn’t just protect your teeth—it supports heart health, diabetes control, respiratory wellness, and more.
Studies continue to show the link between oral health and conditions like:
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Pregnancy complications
Uncontrolled diabetes
Respiratory infections
By staying proactive about your dental care, you’re also taking an important step toward protecting your total health.
Schedule Your Preventative Visit Today
Whether it’s been six months or six years, it’s never too late to prioritize your oral health. Our team at Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry is here to help you build strong habits, catch concerns early, and feel empowered about your smile.
Call us today at 760-944-9288 to schedule your next cleaning, exam, or preventative check-up. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy for life—with comfort, clarity, and care you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions – Preventative Dentistry
How often should I visit the dentist for preventative care?
What’s the difference between preventative and restorative dentistry?
Are X-rays necessary at every visit?
Is preventative care covered by insurance?
Can preventative dentistry help with bad breath?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Administrative
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
