We firmly believe in the principle that prevention is better than cure.  We provide the best advice to prevent problems developing in the first place.

 

Our hygiene service is the cornerstone of our preventive programme as gum disease causes bad breath, bleeding, pain and in the long term – tooth loss.  This is why good oral hygiene is the most effective way to help maintain a healthy mouth.

 

A healthy mouth does not only minimise long term problems.  It is an important contributor to your overall sense of well-being and self confidence.

 

Regular dental examinations help with early diagnosis of problems and will, ultimately, minimise the amount of treatment you may require.  These examinations, and advice, are the core work of our family general practice.

 

 

A healthy mouth

The features of a healthy mouth are:

clean teath, free of plaque or food residues

healthy gums, where the gums fit tightly

          against the teeth

no pain or bleeding when brushing or flossing

the absence of bad breath

 

 

 

 

 

Daily care

Our hygienists will advise you on how best to look after your teeth between your regular checkups.  We recommend checkups at six-monthly intevals so that your teeth can be kept in top condition and any problems can be spotted early.  That advice will include:

brush regularly and twice a day; ideally after breakfast and before going to bed

brushing should include the gums and the junction of tooth and gum.  It is the junction of the tooth

         and gum where many problems start.  Don't forget to brush your tongue!

brush for 2 minutes so that each section (top and bottom, inner and outer) gets 30 seconds.  We find that many patients don't do this!

ideally use an electric toothbrush with a small round head.  The small round head is best at reaching all parts of your mouth including the difficult-to-reach back teeth.  Let the toothbrush do the work

          and don't 'scrub'.

if possible avoid brushing immediately after eating; this allows the saliva to neutralise the acidity of     many foods and drinks.  Your teeth are exposed to these acids and the enamel is  softened. But, the action of calcium and other mineral salts in the saliva help to counteract the softening.  If possible wait for an hour after eating before brushing.

change your toothbrush when the bristles lose their shape; typically each 3 months

use a fluoride toothpaste, and if recommended by your hygienist a fluoride mouth wash.  Spit out the

          toothpaste and avoid excessive rinsing; this allows the fluoride to act on the teeth for longer.

children under 12 should drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if the tap water is not fluoridated

floss daily, ideally before going to bed and before brushing

Our hygienists will demonstrate the best techniques for brushing and flossing.  

 

Daily care and children

The Child Dental Health Survey 2013, published in March 2015 makes sober reading.  Click to read the

6-page executive summary of this highly detailed report. Here are some extracts from that executive summary:

In 2013, nearly a half (46%) of 15 year olds and a third (34%) of 12 year olds had obvious decay experience in their permanent teeth.

nearly a third (31%) of 5 year olds and nearly a half (46%) of 8 year olds had obvious decay experience in their primary teeth

Oral health affects the health and well-being of older children and their families.

A fifth of 12 and 15 year olds (22% and 19% respectively) reported experiencing difficulty eating in the past

          three months.

More than a third (35%) of 12 year olds and more than a quarter (28%) of 15 year olds reported being embarrassed to smile or laugh due to the condition of their teeth.

Overall, 58% of 12 year olds and 45% of 15 year olds reported that their daily life had been affected by problems with their teeth and mouth in the past three months.

 

There are many press articles about the near-epidemic tooth decay problems with children. Sugar and fizzy drinks are seen as a major cause.  The sad thing is that most decay is entirely preventable.

 

Our hygienists are highly proactive in advising parents and children on how best to avoid tooth decay at a young age.  

 

Diabetes and Oral Health

It is well known that diabetes can affect many parts of your body.  It is no so well known that diabetes affects your gums and teeth.  If your blood sugar is not well controlled this can cause an increase in plaque bacteria and it is harder for your body to fight that bacteria.   If you have diabetes you are three to four times more likely to get a gum infection.  Vice-versa, gum disease can make it harder for you to control your diabetes.

 

It is therefore even more important to pay close attention to your oral health if you have diabetes.

Please be sure to always tell your hygienist and dentist that you have diabetes.

 

Life style

A healthy life-style will greatly assist in maintaining oral health.  For example:

avoid smoking and try to stop if you are a smoker

avoid unnecessary sugar, particularly fizzy drinks and sports drinks which typically have excessively high sugar content and high sugar snacks and ready meals - check the label!

eat regular meals and try to keep snacks in-between to a minimum