Preventative Dentistry

Healthy Gums

Your gums are like cushions for your teeth; they surround the tooth from its crown to its root in the jaw and help to support a healthy mouth. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth, and without routine cleaning gum disease can occur.

These are the stages of gum disease:

Red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush them are a sign of a type of gum disease, gingivitis.
When gingivitis is left untreated it can develop further into a type of infection known as periodontitis, which affects the entire area surrounding the tooth, causing discomfort and difficulty when eating
Eventually this kind of infection can lead to tooth loss and may require invasive procedures to replace the missing tooth.

Fortunately, this can be avoided by attending regular hygiene check-ups at the practice and maintaining a good daily hygiene routine. Brushing between the teeth, flossing and replacing your toothbrush every three months will also benefit your gum health.

Life Benefits:

Minimised risk of tooth loss.

Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and need for fillings.

Fresh, minty breath.

Healthy Gums

Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene treatment is delivered by a specially trained dental hygienist or dentist who will help to remove any hard-to-reach plaque from your teeth that may have built up over time.

Dental hygiene treatment is delivered by a specially trained dental hygienist/dentist who will help to remove any hard-to-reach plaque from your teeth that may have built up over time.

Here is what you can expect from a hygiene appointment:

Your teeth and gums will be assessed to determine the amount of plaque removal you will need and risk factors will be highlighted.
Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes. This process is also known as scaling and polishing.
The hygienist's role is to show you how to look after your teeth so that they remain free from plaque in the future. You will be advised on the best tooth brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.

Dental hygiene at our practice also functions preventatively to treat gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that the hygienist will be able to assist you with.

It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.

Life Benefits:

Minimised risk of tooth loss.

Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and need for fillings.

Fresh minty breath.

Dental Hygiene

Smoking Cessation

Many studies have shown that smoking and using tobacco products has a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums. The root of the problem is the way in which tobacco affects the gum tissue cells, making smokers more prone to infections in the form of gum and periodontal diseases.

Here are some oral health problems caused by smoking:

Bad breath.
Stained teeth.
Jawbone loss, shrinking gums and tooth loss.
Mouth sores, and poor healing of mouth sores.
Decreased senses of taste and smell.
Mouth cancer.

As dental professionals, it is important for us to tell you the risks of smoking and to help you to quit by giving you information and support. By cutting down and stopping smoking or using tobacco products your oral health will benefit very quickly and you will notice changes in your mouth almost immediately. It is essential that you come into the practice for regular check-ups so that we can help you maintain good oral health and give you advice and encouragement.