Preventative

Checkups

Regular checkups can seem like a pain, but what are they saving you from?

So what is the importance of the dental cleaning? While not only beneficial for appearance sake, there are numerous health benefits from a regular check-up of your teeth.

For starters maintaining a regular dental check up schedule will ensure that any potential dental issues are quickly identified and treated before they can turn into painful, and highly expensive, medicals issues that may require surgery or permanent treatment options.

The importance of the regular check-up ranges from preventing fatal conditions to maintaining healthy gum and teeth so they are working at their optimal level. On one end of the scale, regular dental visits will clear the patient of any potential oral cancers which are highly curable if caught early on. On a lesser scale but perhaps far more prevalent is gum disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue and the bone. This is also true of cavities and broken fillings which, if left untreated can result in root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth.

On a superficial level, regular checkups prevent the buildup of plaque and clean the teeth and gums to a healthy level, thereby reducing the onset of bad breath. Statistics show that 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath can attribute it to a dental problem and low dental surgery attendance.

So how regularly should you go for these checkups at your local dental surgery? Well a good rule of thumb is once every six months providing that you have not experience any sensitivity, pain or discomfort anywhere around your jaw line of teeth.

However there are certain conditions that require most frequent visit to the dentists including periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene habits, high use of tobacco and alcohol, pregnancy, diabetes and certain medical conditions. These conditions leave the patient with a higher risk of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities so should visit their dentist on a more regular basis.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.

However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.

The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems.

Mouth Cancer Screening

Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of abnormalities in the mouth.

Mouth Cancer Foundation

The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that raises awareness of mouth cancers and proviedes information and support to patients, carers and health professionals.

Giving Up Smoking

It's not easy... So that's why this web site is here. Giving up smoking requires preparation, determination, and support. This site is here to help you with each of these. If you're thinking about giving up, have a look-in.

Tooth Decay Detection

Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating.Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.

Our Dentists aim to prevent dental disease rather than treat it at a later date. Fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth coloured sealants) are applied to biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay .

Gum Disease Treatments

Our practice offers a 'teeth for life' service where we aim to keep your teeth for life. Did you know that gum disease is the number 1 cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also linked to heart disease, premature births and a host of other diseases. Once you lose the gum and bone it is difficult to get it back so prevention is key.

Teeth for life scheme

Our dentist and team offer thorough advice and instructions on gum health. We regularly monitor and maximise the health of your gums at your examination appointments. Patients at risk of gum disease are offered 3 monthly hygiene appointments to prevent any gum loss. We also have specific treatments for those suffering gum disease to restore their health. Just ask our dentists. Together we aim to keep your teeth for life.

Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease:gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

What is periodontal disease?

Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

What is the cause of gum disease?

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?

Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.