Prevention: Keeping teeth healthy

Our preventative measures help ensure the long-term health of gums, teeth, mouth lining and implants. We have developed tailor-made prevention concepts for children and adults.

• Tooth polishing
• Digital Radiographs
• Fluoride treatment

Hygienists are highly trained member of the dental team who treat and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Your hygiene visit is a very important part of your dental treatment. Gum disease is usually not painful until well advanced; therefore much can be wrong in your mouth before you are aware of any problems. Over 80% of adults suffer from some form of gum disease and if left untreated it will damage and eventually destroy the bone and gum supporting the teeth leading to eventual tooth loss. This can occur no matter how healthy your teeth may be. However, if treated in its early stages gum disease is usually reversible. If you are used to having a scale and polish with your dentist you will know that this usually takes a few minutes.

The dental hygienist will spend about 20 minutes or more on thoroughly cleaning and scaling your teeth. Their role involves clinically working in the mouth, scaling and polishing the teeth to remove the hard deposits called calculus (or tarter) which often builds up around and between the teeth. The hygienist is also an educator giving advice tailored to your individual lifestyle, informing you on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home. Any work carried out by the dentist (crowns, bridges, composite fillings, implants) would last longer if you regularly visit the hygienist. Bad breath is also more often caused by gum problems but attention to your oral hygiene will give you reassurance of fresh breath and a clean, healthy mouth resulting in a confident smile.

In the early stages of your treatment you may experience sensitivity or discomfort but this should quickly disappear if you regularly attend your hygiene visits. Follow the advice given for home care your mouth will become healthier.