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 will last as long as possible. |  |
Oral Examination
An oral examination involves the close inspection of the teeth and tissues of the mouth using physical assessment, radiographs and other diagnostic aides. Dental care begins with this assessment and is followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
The examination identifies any tooth decay and evaluates the health of the gums and oral tissues. The fit of dentures and bridges (if any) are evaluated and the bite and oral hygiene assessed. Treatment options will be discussed with the patient
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 planning 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- honey – biscuits
• 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 saliva, hence the exposure of teeth to sugar and acids and then tooth decay.
Foods that are good for oral health:
• Foods high in fibre such as fresh vegetables and fruit – these increase the saliva flow which neutralises acids helping to clean the teeth.
• Rich foods without sugar – milk, yoghurt, meat and fish
• Fruits and vegetables that contain a high volume of water – pears, melons, celery and cucumber
Mouth Guards
Mouth Guards are coverings worn over the teeth that are often used to protect teeth from injury, prevent tooth grinding or protect them during sports.
Dutch Barton supply all types of mouth guard including custom-fitted mouth protectors that are individually designed and made to your dental requirements.
