WHAT IS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY?

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Hence, the creation of preventive dentistry which is a new method intended to reduce the need for expensive and painful dental treatments in the future.
With the joint efforts of the dentist and the patient, this treatment can save your teeth from decay and gum disease, which gives you a better chance of keeping your teeth for life without the need for fillings and extractions.
A course of treatment may be recommended to get your mouth in a good condition, and a maintenance plan will be worked out to help you keep it that way.

IS PREVENTION POSSIBLE?

Yes. With modern dentistry and constant new developments, it is possible to prevent, or considerably reduce dental disease

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

A thorough assessment will be done for your teeth and gums to know the necessary treatments to be used. The main aim is to make your mouth completely healthy to try and prevent any dental problems from happening or returning.

The dentist will thoroughly ‘scale and polish’ your teeth, then show you the best way to brush and floss to remove the bacterial ‘plaque’ on your teeth and gums. Plaque, which is an invisible film of bacteria on the teeth and gums that is formed when the sugars from the food that you eat turns into acid, eventually causes tooth decay. It can also cause gum inflammation if not regularly and thoroughly removed. The hard tartar (calculus) which builds up on the teeth also starts off as plaque.

Diet and other habits such as smoking and drinking might be discussed as well for the dentist to be able to give you the best oral care products and practice to use.

HOW DO I KEEP MY MOUTH HEALTHY?

To have a healthy mouth you need to:

       • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.

       • Cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks

       • Visit your dentist at least every six months