We have a strong preventative philosophy, and we will work with you in an effort to prevent and reduce the risk of dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease.
How we can help:
- Regular check-ups- so we can identify problems and intervene in the disease process as early as possible
- Accurate and early detection of new cavities. We have introduced the Diagnocam into our practice to help us diagnose cavities when they are still tiny. It’s possible, using our preventive approach, to stop small cavities from growing.
Show you how to clean your teeth thoroughly. This can be tricky because teeth are hard and robust, gums are soft and delicate, and dental plaque is colourless and sticky. It is a skill that needs to be taught and practiced. If your teeth are crowded, or you have bridges, implants or dentures, you may need to learn some special skills.- Remove plaque and tartar from your teeth to make cleaning easier.
- Help you to select the best equipment for brushing and flossing. If you aren’t sure which type of toothbrush to buy or whether you need an interdental brush, we can point you in the right direction.
- Advice about sugar consumption. Sugar is often hidden in the foods we consume. Sports drinks, fruit juices and soft drinks contain the ‘deadly duo’ of sugar and acid, which accelerates damage to tooth enamel. We can help you to identify foods and drinks that might be increasing your risk of developing dental decay (also referred to as dental caries or dental cavities).
- Professional fluoride application. Some people are at high risk of developing decay, and require a topical fluoride boost.
- Fissure sealants- if your teeth have deep natural pits and grooves in the enamel, they are more at risk of developing cavities. Fissure sealants are a non-invasive way of sealing these spaces so that plaque bacteria cannot accumulate and cause cavities.
Articles About Preventive Dentistry
We have a number of articles about preventive dentistry. You might enjoy the following:
- Proactive dental care: halting tooth decay in its tracks
- How to reduce your risk of dental decay
- How to reduce your risk of tooth erosion and acid wear
- How to clean between your teeth
- Are you at risk of developing gum disease?
- Signs of gum disease
- Mouth cancer cases on the increase