Prevention
Care today, save tomorrow
Did you know that a full mouth reconstruction can easily cost between £24,000 and £45,000 in the UK? By practicing preventive dentistry, you can safeguard yourself from these exorbitant dental costs!
Why is it important to maintain good oral hygiene?
Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These are the conditions most frequently responsible for tooth loss.
How do tooth decay and gum disease develop?
Bacteria living in the mouth breaks down food debris left on the teeth into acids. These acids damage the enamel causing tooth decay.
The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva together form plaque, which clings to teeth. If plaque is present for several days (on hardly accessible places) it hardens and forms yellowish-brownish deposits known as calculus or tartar. They are frequently found behind lower teeth or can be hidden under the gumline. The rough surface of a calculus facilitates plaque retention, resulting in a vicious cycle. Calculi make the gum pull away from the root surface, thus forming a pocket. This pocket is an ideal place for bacteria to live and accumulate. This leads on one hand to deep decay, on the other hand to the infection of the gum and its further recession, in severe cases leding even to bone reduction. This means that the supporting structure of the tooth weakens, the tooth becomes loose, falls out or has to be pulled out.
What can I do to prevent these problems?
– brush your teeth twice a day
– use a toothbrush with soft bristles
– use toothpaste containing fluoride
– change your toothbrush every 3 months
– floss or use interdental cleaners every day
– use mouthwash
– consume as little sugary food and drinks as possible
– regularly attend dental check-ups, every 6 or at least12 months
What can my dentist or dental hygienist do to prevent these problems?
Even while practicing the most rigorous tooth-brushing and flossing, some tartar and discolouration will appear on the enamel, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It is highly recommended to undergo a dental hygiene treatment at least annually.
What are the techniques of professional tooth cleaning?
Scale and polishing: Using an ultrasonic device emitting vibration, tartar is loosened and removed from the tooth’s surface. Then a cooling mist is sprayed to wash away any remaining particles. In order to smooth the surface, polishing is carried out with a spinning rubber cup.
Air abrasion, also known as sandblasting: Emitting a powerful stream of aluminium oxide, that removes tartar and stains from the tooth surface.
Contact us today and smile tomorrow!