Why is prevention better than cure?
Modern dentistry focuses firmly on prevention to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. This includes avoiding dental problems or stopping them from getting worse by keeping a close eye on your mouth. This proactive approach can reduce the need for more involved treatment, which can save significant time, discomfort and money.
Taking care of your teeth entails more than just brushing. For maximum care, it is important that you visit your dentist and hygienist regularly so that any issues can be spotted early and addressed before they progress. These problems can include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Dental erosion/Tooth surface loss
As well as detecting problems with your teeth and gums, the dentist and hygienist can also:
- Scale and polish teeth – even if you brush your teeth every day, this may not be enough to prevent the gradual build-up of tartar. A thorough professional clean, at least twice a year, can remove stubborn tartar and plaque deposits.
- Assess the health of your gums – this will ensure we are able to spot any early signs of gum disease.
- Teach tooth brushing tips – this includes giving advice on specific dental products, as well as showing interdental cleaning techniques.
- Advise on diet – your diet and habits may be affecting your teeth, especially if you smoke. We can give advice on how to manage the effects.
- Apply fissure sealants – this protective coating prevents bacteria and food particles from settling in the narrow fissures of the back teeth.
