Dr. Donald Cummings, DDS

Dr. Donald Cummings, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His approach emphasizes general preventive dentistry as a 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. He serves all ages.

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. Dr. Donald DDS 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. As a dentistry practitioner in Bradenton, FL, he is dedicated to providing high-quality care. Please call (941) 792-1447 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Donald DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Donald 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. Donald 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. Donald 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:

• Gonorrhea of Pharynx: Early detection of pharyngeal gonorrhea is crucial as it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, emphasizing the need for proactive STI screenings.
• Periodontitis: Periodontitis is preventable through diligent daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular professional cleanings to remove harmful bacteria that cause gum inflammation.
• Cataract Dental Syndrome: Preventive dental care is crucial because conditions like Cataract Dental Syndrome, though rare, underscore that oral health is connected to your general health; early detection can help manage associated issues.
• Papilloma: Although most oral papillomas are benign, proactive management through regular dental visits aids in early detection and helps minimize the risk of complications or progression.
• Jaw Cyst: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting jaw cysts early, allowing for less invasive treatment and helping to avoid more extensive procedures later.
• Crouzon Syndrome: The unusual facial features associated with Crouzon syndrome can increase the risk of specific dental problems, emphasizing the importance of proactive dental care to prevent secondary complications.
• Dental Bone Loss: Early detection of dental bone loss through routine dental visits is key to minimizing further damage and preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime.

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. Donald DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bite Plate: By evenly distributing bite pressure, a bite plate helps prevent damage to teeth and jaw joints, a key preventative measure for oral health.
• Preventive Dental Care: Protect your smile and overall health through preventive dental care; it helps identify potential problems early on and prevents costly and complex treatments down the line.
• Zoom!® Teeth Whitening: Enhance your smile's appearance with Zoom! Teeth Whitening, complementing your regular dental checkups and improving your overall oral health confidence.
• Lumineers®: Protect your smile's longevity and improve its aesthetic appeal with Lumineers; this treatment enhances tooth appearance while preserving natural tooth structure.
• Six Month Smiles: Enhance your smile and oral health with Six Month Smiles; this accelerated orthodontic treatment helps straighten your teeth to improve your bite and reduce the chances of developing future dental problems, like gum disease.
• MTM® No-Trace Braces: Proactively address crooked teeth and improve your bite with MTM® No-Trace Braces, reducing your risk of gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: This checkup screens for potential oral health problems that could affect your planned dental surgery, leading to safer and more effective treatment.

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. Donald 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 proactively scheduling STI screenings, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing early detection could prevent potential complications from pharyngeal gonorrhea.
• By diligently following a personalized preventive plan, including regular cleanings and meticulous oral hygiene, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and avoided the development of periodontitis. This proactive approach ensured a confident smile and overall well-being.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a family was relieved to learn that early detection of potential oral health issues, like those associated with Cataract Dental Syndrome, allowed them to implement a preventative care plan, reducing their risk significantly.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Donald DDS:

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

At Dr. Donald DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This prevents cavities and, critically, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is connected to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care, like checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Donald DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We offer a comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night to help keep the airway open, providing a viable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Donald DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, particularly for children and teens, that help seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

1906 59th St W Ste F
Bradenton FL 34209
Phone: (941) 792-1447

Dr. Donald Cummings, 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): 1548282924

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. Donald 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.