General Dentistry - Preventative

Many people wonder if making it to their biannual dental appointment is really necessary.

The short answer is – yes!

Good preventive care helps reduce your risk for certain illnesses and can help you achieve and maintain the level of excellent oral health that helps you look and feel your best.

Providing Your Medical History

Your biannual visit is a great opportunity to tell your dentist about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your mouth. You’ll also want to give a detailed description of your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.

Knowing your medical history allows your dentist to gain a better understanding of your overall health. After all, there is a strong systemic link between the health of your mouth and the prevalence of many serious health concerns.

For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.

Examinations

Warning signs of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.

During your visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. You’ll also be evaluated for risk factors associated with illnesses like bone loss and periodontal disease. This way, potential problems can be identified in their early stages while they are easily treatable.

Your dentist will also check your bite and may administer x-rays or recommend other diagnostic measures.

Clean and Polish

During your visit, your teeth will be gently and professionally cleaned. Your dental team will meticulously remove hard-to-reach plaque. At this time, we may provide information on how to improve your at-home care routine, and your hygienist can show you proper procedures for brushing and flossing.

A thorough clean not only helps improve the health of your teeth but also makes them look great! A good clean and polish can actually have a whitening effect on your smile. Your clean will leave you looking and feeling great.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Are you due for your bi-annual visit? Contact our practice to arrange an appointment.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a growing problem for many though it is completely preventable.

While good oral hygiene habits can help prevent periodontal disease, it can still develop due to medical conditions or from neglect. The earlier we diagnose it, the easier it will be to treat.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by tartar and bacteria that build up on the teeth, especially under the gumline. The sticky plaque attracts bacteria and eventually turns into hard tartar. The tartar and bacteria irritate the gums and cause infection.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Brushing twice daily and flossing every evening using good technique will help remove a lot of plaque, but even the most diligent brusher and flosser may have a hard time cleaning off all the plaque, especially under the gumline. You can improve your chances of staving off periodontal disease by having a minimum of twice-yearly professional dental cleanings from one of our excellent dental hygienists.

So what if you brush, floss and get your regular cleanings like you are supposed to and still get periodontal disease?

Other factors can contribute and cause a predisposition to gum disease:

• Smoking automatically increases the odds of developing gum disease. If you need help quitting, talk to your dentist.
• Diabetes and heart disease have both been linked to periodontal disease.
• Numerous prescription medications are known to cause dry mouth, which can contribute to gum disease.
• Illnesses that inhibit your immune system, including cancer, increase your chances of developing periodontal disease.
• Genetics also play a role. Gum disease tends to run in families.

Treating Periodontal Disease

How your gum disease is treated will depend on how advanced it is and how much damage it has caused. It’s important to treat gum disease, even in the early stages. Untreated gum disease will not only progress in your mouth but can also lead to health challenges throughout the rest of your body.

Mild gum disease can often be treated with a renewed commitment to good oral hygiene habits and an antimicrobial mouthwash. Moderate-to-advanced gum disease may require a deep cleaning treatment, known as scaling and root planing. During this treatment, we remove the tartar from below the gumline and get rid of the rough spots where bacteria tend to gather.

Are you concerned that you might have periodontal disease? Call our practice so that we can evaluate your gum health and organise a treatment plan to help you enjoy a healthy smile.