Dr. Betty Hughes, DDS

Dr. Betty Hughes, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Betty DDS serves all ages. Please call (727) 526-7500 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Betty Hughes, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to providing exceptional preventive care. Her practice prioritizes the prevention of dental issues through personalized strategies tailored to individual needs. She understands the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health and works collaboratively with patients to develop comprehensive plans. This approach encompasses a wide range of preventative measures, from routine checkups and cleanings to the implementation of proactive strategies to maintain optimal oral and overall wellness. Dr. Betty DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Betty DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Betty DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Betty DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Oral Mucous Membrane Disease: Oral mucous membrane diseases can cause pain and discomfort, but early diagnosis and treatment through preventive dental care significantly reduces the likelihood of long-term issues.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Dental Crowding: Dental crowding, where teeth are too tightly packed, increases your risk of cavities and gum disease if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular checkups.
• Ankylosis: Preventing complications from ankylosed teeth involves regular dental checkups to identify the condition early and discuss appropriate management strategies.
• Excessive Tooth Wear: Excessive tooth wear is a preventable condition if addressed early; proactive measures like adjusting habits and using protective mouthguards can safeguard your teeth for years to come.
• Underbite: Don't let an underbite compromise your oral health; early identification and appropriate management can prevent complications like crooked teeth, TMJ problems, and even impacted wisdom teeth.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Betty DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Light-activated teeth whitening is a great way to improve your smile's appearance while also allowing your dentist to assess your teeth for any underlying issues.
• Springs for Braces: As part of your braces treatment, springs help to close gaps between teeth, correct overcrowding, and ultimately enhance your long-term oral health.
• Clear Dental Braces: Correct your bite and improve your oral health with clear braces, actively preventing future problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Sapphire Whitening: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with Sapphire Whitening; while primarily cosmetic, a brighter smile can improve self-esteem and encourage better oral hygiene.
• Snap-On-Smile®: Snap-On-Smile® provides an immediate improvement in the aesthetics of your smile, without the need for extensive dental procedures.
• Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a procedure that helps save a child's tooth by removing the infected or inflamed pulp, preventing the need for a full extraction and preserving the natural tooth.
• Jaw Surgery: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, jaw surgery can resolve jawbone issues that contribute to long-term dental health challenges.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Betty DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing oral mucous membrane diseases, ensuring a healthy and comfortable smile.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully prevented gum disease, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential dental crowding issues through regular checkups, a family gained peace of mind, knowing they were minimizing the risk of future dental problems.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Betty DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

For most people, a checkup and cleaning every six months is recommended. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing can't remove, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Betty DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Betty DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Betty DDS. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

4300 4th St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33703
Phone: (727) 526-7500

Dr. Betty Hughes, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1922134915

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Betty DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.