Preventative Dentistry
| The aim of preventative dentistry is to help improve your long-term oral health. Prevention means taking positive steps to help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease, rather than waiting for problems to occur. Through modern preventative care, it is sometimes possible to reverse the very early stages of tooth decay, thereby avoiding the need for a filling. This approach means where possible, treatment is kept to a minimum. When treatment is required it will form part of your preventative care programme and your dentist will ensure that it is given the right time and will last as long as possible. |
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Oral Examination
An oral examination involves the close inspection of the teeth and tissues of the mouth using physical assessment, radiographs, and other diagnostic aids. Dental care begins with this assessment, and is followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
The examination identifies tooth decay and evaluates the health of the gums and other oral tissues. The fit of dentures and bridges (if any) are evaluated. The patient's bite and oral hygiene are also assessed. The dentist then recommends the best treatment options to the patient.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth that are often used to protect teeth from injury, prevent teeth grinding or protect them during sports.
Dutch Barton supply all types of Mouth Guard and are specialists in the supply of custom-fitted mouth protectors that are individually designed and made to your exacting dental requirements.
Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
Hygiene Treatment including dietary advice, correct cleaning techniques and flossing
The hygienist will assess your gums and teeth, checking for any swelling or inflammation and for any bleeding. Measurements of where the gum attaches to the tooth (pockets) may also be taken. The hygienist will then carefully remove the tartar using manual or ultrasonic instruments. Removing the tartar makes the teeth easier to keep clean, as its rough surface tends to attract more plaque.The hygienist will then polish the teeth leaving them smooth and clean. If there is a lot of tartar, two or more visits may be necessary.
If gum disease has become advanced, a special programme for removing deep tartar from the root surface may be required. This is called root planing or debridement and it may be necessary for the dentist or hygienist to anaesthetise the gum to make it comfortable. In some cases a slow-release gel may be prescribed to help stop the harmful bacteria from causing further damage.
Recent research has shown that people who regularly see the hygienist experience less dental decay and require less dental work in the long term.
Eating a balanced diet plays an important role in dental health.
A balanced diet includes all the main food groups: fruits and vegetables, milk products, meat, fish, etc.
Foods that cause tooth decay:
- Foods with a high concentration of sugar - cakes, ice cream, honey, etc.
- Acidic drinks with a low pH value - can damage the tooth enamel.
- Sticky foods – these do not get washed away from the tooth surface easily by the saliva, hence increasing the exposure of teeth to sugar and acids and, consequently, tooth decay.
Foods that are good for oral health:
- Foods high in fibre, such as fresh fruits and vegetables - they increase the saliva flow, which neutralises acids, helping to clean the teeth of food particles and sugars during chewing.
- Rich foods without sugar - milk, yoghurt, rice, meat, fish, fruits, etc.
- Fruits and vegetables that contain a high volume of water - pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers.