Preventive dentistry is the key to maintaining optimal oral health. With this, you prevent future dental issues through routine oral checkups and treatments at your local dentist. Of course there are things you can do at home for ongoing oral health.
So if you’re still in doubt as to whether or not you need preventive dentistry, just chat to one of our friendly team about what it could mean for you.
What Is Considered Preventive Dental Care?Preventive dental care or preventive dentistry is the prevention of oral disease through routine checkups. It has to do with general and specific dental care to prevent or detect early oral problems. This goes a long way in promoting your oral hygiene.
Remember, however, that preventive dental care begins with you. By having a healthy daily oral routine, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.
For the best preventive dental treatment, you should combine a home routine with visits to the dentist. This is because there are certain examinations you cannot cover on your own. Inspections like x-rays, sealants, and so on, and this is what your dentists can help with.
In administering preventive dentistry, your dentist will consider if you have any health issues. Issues like mitral valve prolapse need to be treated with prophylactic antibiotics. Also, you’ll need antibiotics if you have a prosthetic heart valve or a history of endocarditis and so on.
Doing the following will help improve your oral health greatly:
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums and the structures supporting your teeth. It begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly. Key symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for prevention.
Early stages of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, can be reversed with proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. However, more advanced stages require professional treatment. This may involve deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are essential to manage and control the disease.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is characterised by inflammation of the gums without affecting the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. With proper oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed.
Periodontal disease, on the other hand, is an advanced form of gum disease that can lead to damage to the bone and connective tissue. It is often irreversible and requires more intensive treatment to manage. Regular dental check-ups are essential to diagnose and treat these conditions early.
You should get a check up from your dentist at least once every 6 months.
Major preventive dental treatments carried out at the dentist include:
Children need preventive dental care the most out of anyone! It’s usually best to start early to ensure healthy teeth and gums for life.
You should help carry out proper oral hygiene with your kids and teach them independent oral hygiene early. While your children will require your assistance with brushing their teeth until they reach 7 or 8 years old, we recommend that you continue to supervise in the years to come.
You should also take your children to see the dentist from a young age so that it becomes normal practice in their lives.
In fact, some dentists recommend a dental check-up before a child’s first birthday. This is to ensure their gums and teeth are in good condition and position.
You’d be surprised how many health-related problems are caused by bad oral hygiene. With preventive dentistry, early detection of dental issues can help stop other health-related problems. Medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers and more.
Another benefit of preventive dental care is that it helps you save money! Dental prevention truly is better than cure, even for your pocket. Trust us, you will spend less on preventive treatment than you will spend on restorative treatments.
Preventive dentistry also helps prevent enamel loss, tooth decay, cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis, and the like. Also, by practising preventive dental care, you get to build and maintain healthy oral habits. At Knight Street Dentists, your smile and oral health are our priority.
Silibaziso, known to patients and colleagues as Dr Ncomanzi, graduated from James Cook University and began her dental career in 2023. That same year she joined the team at Knight ...
Dr Shah has been at the heart of Knight Street Dentists since taking over the practice in 2017. He has built a compassionate, friendly and vibrant culture, leading a professional ...
Aws is dedicated to providing quality dental care with a personal touch. He enjoys building genuine connections with his patients, whether chatting about weekend activities, travel plans or shared interests, ...
Are your gums swollen, red or bleeding? It may be caused by periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, it’s an infection or inflammation of your gums, tissues and bone structure that support your teeth. Both preventable and reversible, our caring team have the expertise to provide you with a personalised treatment plan.
What does periodontal disease entail?Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gum disease.
Often the result of poor brushing and flossing habits, periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria that exists in plaque. If plaque builds up on your teeth, then hardens to become tartar and isn’t removed regularly by your dentist, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing and even tooth loss. In its early stages, it’s referred to as gingivitis.
It’s also important to understand there are a range of factors that will increase your risk of gum disease. These include smoking, diabetes, certain medication and illnesses.
Gum disease symptoms do vary, and include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment to visit our caring dental team. We’ll complete a gentle, yet thorough examination and provide you with the best treatment options available. Yes, we’ll have you back smiling in no time!
The good news is that gum disease is completely preventable and treatable, particularly if we diagnose it in its early stages.
The best place to start gum disease treatment is by practising good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. We also recommend you visit our team regularly (we suggest once every six months). As part of our routine checkup and clean, we’ll check for tartar, then professionally remove it.
If you have advanced gum disease, the treatment will be more involved. However, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll talk to you in detail about your options, so you can make an informed decision on the best treatment plan for you.
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Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a common yet often embarrassing issue that can affect your confidence and social interactions. It’s typically caused by odour-producing bacteria in the mouth, but it can also stem from deeper issues like gum disease, dry mouth, or even systemic health conditions such as sinus ...
We all know a regular dental check-up is super important for your ongoing oral health. We’re here to ease your anxiety and help maintain your beautiful smile.
Is it time to book in for a dental check-up and clean? Whether it’s on your to-do list or try-to-avoid list, we totally understand. That’s why we provide anxiety-free examinations, ensuring you’re completely at ease.
So, why do you need a regular dental check-up? A simple examination, every six months, will help us quickly detect any oral health concerns, such as decay or gum-disease. This means we can also prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
Bringing together advanced dental technology with our extensive experience and expertise, we’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth, gums and that beautiful smile. Contact our dental clinic today.
Before we begin your dental checkup, we’ll ask you a few questions about your oral and general health. The better aware we are of your medical background, including any dental phobias you may have, means that we can provide you with the best possible, tailored care.
Beginning with a visual examination, we’ll then gently probe your teeth to check for any soft areas that indicate a cavity. We may also recommend an x-ray which allows us to explore the surfaces that are not visible, such as between teeth and underneath existing fillings.
Often plaque can build up behind the teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. A major cause of cavities and gum disease, when plaque isn’t removed, it can harden to become tartar which is impossible to remove with routine brushing and flossing. This is where we step in, removing any plaque and tartar to keep your teeth and gums super-healthy.
Did you know that gum disease can go unnoticed for a long period? Often, you won’t even get any symptoms, and before you know it, your gums may require much more extensive treatment. Booking in for a regular dental checkup gives you peace of mind, knowing that any dental concerns are treated quickly and cost-effectively.
Offering state-of-the-art dental imaging, we’re able to capture an image of your teeth, enabling us to quickly detect concerns and prevent major dental issues. Giving you peace of mind, our low dose x-rays also minimise your exposure to unnecessary radiation.
Oral pathology screening enables us to quickly diagnose, treat and manage oral diseases. Providing an early evaluation, we can perform the screening during your dental checkup and follow up with further appointments if treatment is necessary.
Using an ultrasonic scaler, we’ll give your teeth a deep clean, extending both above and below the gum line. All you’ll feel is a tickling vibration. Once we have the surfaces all smooth, we’ll polish each tooth with polishing toothpaste, removing stains and giving your teeth a brand new shine.
We’ll chat with you about any further treatment that may be required and share our recommendations – from teeth brushing techniques to diet and nutrition – for maintaining your oral health and home.
We’ll then organise your next dental check-up appointment, which will usually be in six or 12 months. As a reminder, we’ll send you a text message or call you closer to your next visit.