We cannot emphasise the importance of regular dental checkups in the prevention of teeth and gum disease. Regular checkups allow us to monitor any changes to your dental condition and gum health. Along with a healthy diet we will advise on strategies to reduce any negative changes to your dental tissues, be it your teeth, gums or jaw joint (TMJ – temporomandubular joint). Almost all people should have their dental checkups performed every 6 months.

Dental radiographs (x-rays) should be taken at every 2 years to allow us to view areas that are not visible to the eye or dental explorer (probe) during a regular dental examination. Some changes that are caught early can be reversed with the application of fluorides or sealants. Dietary advice and oral hygiene instruction can also help in reversing negative changes to teeth and gums.

Our practice suggests that you schedule your 6 monthly dental checkup and clean when you finish your existing appointment with us.

Our aim is to conserve tooth structure and maintain gum health and minimise pathological changes to your teeth and gums. Preservation and or the restoration of teeth and gums will lead to better health.

We do not want dental decay to be undiagnosed as this untreated decay may result in teeth requiring more extensive treatment or at worst extraction. If a tooth is lost, the adjacent and opposing teeth will move to try to close the space. This will create other spaces which will lead to food impacting in these areas and it may not take long for decay and or gum disease to result. You may end up losing several teeth. Dental bridgework or implants or a partial denture should be made to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

ORAL HYGIENE
There’s no substitute for looking after your oral hygiene the right way every day.
Our dental professionals give advice on the latest techniques for caring for your teeth and gums and will help you develop a daily routine to keep your oral health at the highest standards.

From your first visit, our experienced team will spend time discussing your oral hygiene needs, recommending products and developing a personal program to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

For more advanced care, you also need to make regular visits to our oral hygienist to guarantee your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.

Remember, we get the best results by working together as a team – the dentist, the hygienist and the patient

Brushing
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of your entire front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Brush your teeth two times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque:

• In the morning after breakfast
• At bedtime

As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Do not swallow toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene.

Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.

Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out any food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Floss behind all of your back teeth.

Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.