Dr. Kathleen Divito, DDS

Dr. Kathleen Divito, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, as 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 serves all ages and 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. To confirm if Dr. Kathleen DDS is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 392-9293.

Dr. Kathleen Divito, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Largo, FL, committed to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Her approach emphasizes the importance of personalized preventative strategies, ensuring each patient receives tailored care. She emphasizes proactive measures to prevent dental issues, understanding that oral health significantly impacts overall well-being. This commitment to comprehensive care extends to all aspects of patient wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. Dr. Kathleen DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Open Bite: Addressing an open bite early can significantly reduce your risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and other long-term oral health problems, emphasizing the benefits of preventive care.
• Receding Gums: Receding gums, a sign of gum disease, can be prevented with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• Crossbite: A crossbite, where your upper teeth don't properly overlap your lower teeth, can lead to jaw problems and tooth damage if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Orofacial Pain: Orofacial pain, encompassing pain in your mouth, face, and jaw, can signal underlying issues like gum disease or TMJ problems, making early detection crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Oral Mucous Membrane Disease: Oral mucous membrane diseases affect the soft tissues in your mouth, and early detection through regular dental checkups can prevent serious complications and improve your overall oral health.
• Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Maintaining good oral hygiene helps reduce your risk of developing salivary gland stones, a painful condition that can lead to infection if left untreated.
• Receded Upper Jaw: Preventing further recession of your upper jaw requires prompt attention to gum health, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings being key preventative measures.

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

• Digital Tomography: For comprehensive oral health assessment, digital tomography provides detailed images to help your dentist accurately diagnose and treat conditions affecting your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
• Jaw Tracking: Jaw tracking helps your dentist detect early signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, preventing discomfort and potential long-term problems.
• KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™: KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ is more than just a cosmetic treatment; it's a chance to improve your smile's appearance and have your dentist check for any underlying dental concerns.
• Oral Surgical Procedures: Taking a proactive approach to oral health, oral surgery can sometimes be necessary to remove diseased or damaged tissue, improving overall oral health and preventing further issues.
• Removable Appliances: Removable appliances can be a crucial part of your oral health plan, assisting in preventing gum recession and maintaining the health of your existing teeth.
• Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®): Improve your long-term oral health with the help of the TAP®; this positioning device aids in correcting bite issues, which can contribute to both dental and overall health.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Proactively using aligners can correct bite problems that may lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other health complications.

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. Kathleen 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 addressing their open bite with early intervention, a family gained peace of mind, significantly reducing their risk of developing future TMJ problems and other oral health issues.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, preventing the onset of receding gums and enjoying a confident, healthy smile.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a preventive plan, a family was able to identify and address a developing crossbite early, significantly reducing the risk of future dental problems and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.

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. Kathleen DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Kathleen DDS and our dental hygienist every six months is recommended. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, 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 can harden into tartar (calculus), which 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 (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Kathleen will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities; early detection is key to successful treatment.

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

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Kathleen DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. She can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable 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.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

10710 Seminole Blvd Ste 4
Largo FL 33778
Phone: (727) 392-9293

Dr. Kathleen Divito, 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): 1487741443

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. Kathleen 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.