Preventative Dentistry
Regular Check Ups
Even though many of us might think that our teeth are in good shape, regular visits to the family dentist are very important. Regular care and prevention of diseases in the mouth are the best possible care you can give your teeth. Tackling problems early on will save a lot of bother in the long run and it might save your tooth from an extraction or root canal therapy. It is important to visit your dentist at least once, but ideally twice, a year to get your teeth checked and cleaned.
Oral Hygiene and Health Promotion
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.If your gums are in good shape, keeping them healthy is very easy… Brush 2-3 times a day with a soft bristle tooth brush and having regular professional cleaning visits will help early detection and prevention. Patients need information and instruction about tooth brushing, flossing and interdental brushing for optimal self-care of the teeth and gums. Good dietary habits and tooth brushing is the key. Regular removal of plaque and calculus build up is very important for maintaining good healthy gums. This is a treatment that is routinely carried out at your regular check up.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is the inflammation of the soft tissue (gums) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.There have been many clinical studies that demonstrate a correlation between poor gum health contributing to health concerns in other areas of your body.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are the main source of tooth and mouth injuries in children and adolescents. Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-coloured materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even “minor” injuries can cause serious and costly damage.
If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, you need to protect your teeth with a mouth guard. Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a boil and bite (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.
Bruxism (grinding)
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is an involuntary clenching and or grinding of the teeth. Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep, but some people do it when they are awake. Symptoms may include headache, jaw joint or ear pain, aching teeth, and cracked or chipped tooth surfaces. The night guard used for treating bruxism acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
