Preventative Care

Preventative Care

In addition to your routine dental check up, your dentist will usually perform a thorough scale and clean. These thorough professional cleans remove the build up of calculus from around your teeth, which is very important as it keeps your gums healthy and prevents gum disease.

Everyone has calculus. Calculus is formed from the minerals in saliva that slowly deposit on the plaque that grows in our mouth.

The soft plaque sticks to our teeth and over time the minerals in your body’s saliva turn it hard to create calculus. If this calculus is not removed it continues to grow deeper around your teeth and under your gums. This is what causes you to suffer from gum disease, giving you red bleeding gums, bad breath, and eventually loose teeth. Once this gum and bone is lost, there is no way to get it back. The only thing we can do is try to stabilize the condition. In severe cases your teeth can become so loose from lack of support that they simply fall out!
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If you find your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth, it is important for you to visit your dentist. Bleeding gums are usually a sign that your gums are inflamed and unhealthy. A scale and clean from your dentist and improved brushing and oral hygiene on your part will, in most cases, improve the health of your gums and this bleeding should stop within two weeks.

Our friendly staff are always happy to give you and your family advice on how to best maintain a healthy smile. Although there are many treatment options now available for severe cases, there is nothing better than your own natural teeth! For this reason we recommend taking the time to look after your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is preventative dental care?
Preventative dental care focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums and stopping problems before they start. It includes regular check-ups, professional cleans, fluoride treatments and personalised oral hygiene advice.
How often should I have a dental check-up and clean?
Most patients benefit from a check-up and clean every six months. This helps remove built-up plaque and calculus that cannot be removed by brushing alone and allows early detection of any issues.
Why do I need a professional scale and clean if I brush and floss daily?
Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into calculus that cannot be removed at home. A professional clean removes this build-up and helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
What are the signs I might need preventative treatment?
Common signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth sensitivity or a sticky feeling on your teeth. These can indicate early gum disease or plaque build-up, which is easier to treat when caught early.
What happens during a preventative care appointment?
A typical appointment includes a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, removal of plaque and calculus, polishing and fluoride treatment if needed. Your dentist may also provide advice tailored to your oral health needs.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can often be managed and improved with professional cleaning and good home care. However, advanced gum disease can cause permanent damage, so early treatment is important.
How can I maintain good oral health between visits?
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and reducing sugary foods and drinks can all help. Regular dental visits are also essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy long-term.