PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
Preventive dentistry is highly recommended by Parkwood Dental and Aesthetic Care is an investment in future dental health for you and your family. It can help you steer clear of all sorts of problems, from bad breath and gum disease, to tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Description
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on your toothbrush or in the toothpaste you spit out after cleaning your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
What is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease.
To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and cleaning in between the teeth with ‘interdental' brushes or floss.
What do I do if I think I have gum disease?
The first thing to do is visit your dental team for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. They will measure the 'cuff' of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you.
What treatments are needed?
Your dental team will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth. You will also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with the dental team. A good oral care routine at home with brushing and interdental cleaning is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease getting worse.
Dental Hygiene
Description
Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you correct home care and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth by removing plaque and tartar (usually called a ‘scale and polish’ or a prophylaxis). Dental hygienist can show you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a sticky coating that forms constantly on your teeth. Hygienists also give advice about diet and about preventing tooth decay. The hygienist will work with your dental team to give you the care that is tailored to your needs.
Why is this dental treatment important?
Regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, combined with looking after your teeth and gums properly at home, will help keep your mouth healthy. A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.
Parkwood Dental and Aesthetic Care recommend that you follow three simple steps to help keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. Cutting down the amount of sugar in your diet can help to reduce decay.
- Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend. Your hygienist can help you by looking at your decay problem and your diet, and by making some recommendations for you to consider.
Routine Care
Description
Routine care is highly recommended by Parkwood Dental and Aesthetic Care for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning appointments are essential to ensure your mouth remains healthy.
At your initial consultation and check-up dentist will discuss any problems you may have and will advise you on the condition of your mouth and help choose a suitable treatment plan.
At your dental examinations we will be:
• Checking your teeth for decay
• Checking for gum disease
• Assessing your oral hygiene
• Checking your jaw joints
• Checking for oral cancer
If required, we will take X-rays to check your teeth and the bone levels surrounding your teeth.