Preventative dentistry

Investing just a few minutes of your time each day into caring for your teeth and gums could make a huge difference to the health of your mouth - and the amount of time you spend in the dentist’s chair.

And the good news is it’s never too late - whatever your age and whatever the current state of your teeth and gums, you can benefit from making a few changes to your daily routine.

Tooth decay and gum disease are the major problems. They can eventually lead to tooth loss, causing potential problems with eating and premature signs of ageing around the face.

There are several key areas to work on, including brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between your teeth once or twice a day. It is really important to clean your teeth properly, ensuring that each surface of every tooth is brushed, including beneath the gumline. The gap between teeth can often be too small to be reached by a standard toothbrush, but you should try and ensure that food debris and plaque (bacteria) is removed from these areas. Flossing and other techniques can reach these areas easily - we are happy to advise you on the most suitable method for you and your teeth.

What you eat and how often plays a significant role in your oral health. Each time you eat or drink something, bacteria in your mouth turn the sugar into acid which attacks your teeth and can ultimately cause decay. After eating, your teeth remain under attack from acid for around forty minutes - and this happens each time you eat anything. So if you snack throughout the day, your teeth will suffer much more from acid attack than if you eat only at breakfast, lunch and dinner time.

Regular dental visits mean that we can spot any potential problems early on, and prevent them from getting worse. It also means that your teeth can be given a professional clean when necessary, helping to prevent problems occurring.