Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Dental check ups for you and your family …
A dental check up allows the dentist to see if you have any dental problems you may not be aware of, such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear or ulcers.
Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it’s best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether. Therefore regular dental check ups are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dental check up appointments for new patients are available with our experienced, friendly dentist. With her welcoming, calm manner she can put you at ease even if you’re nervous about visiting a dentist.
Examining for tooth decay …
Tooth decay can begin and progress without a person knowing.
Tooth decay that is noticed early may only need prevention treatments and it may be possible to avoid fillings. The longer tooth decay progresses the more likely that complex treatment would be required or the tooth may have to be taken out.
At dental check ups, the dentist can use the dental mirror and dental instruments to see if there are any signs of tooth decay or cavities. They can also take x-rays, which can show tooth decay that is not visible just by looking.
Examining for gum disease …
Many people also do not know that they have gum disease. Even when cleaning your teeth twice daily, plaque and tartar will build up. Plaque is the film layer of bacteria that covers teeth and gums. When left, it becomes hard tartar that can not be brushed off. If gum disease is not controlled, then teeth can loosen and come out over time.
At dental check ups, the dentist checks for signs of gum disease. They will look out for a number of signs including presence of plaque, tartar and inflammation. If picked up early, gum disease can be controlled and treated, helping to prevent teeth being lost.
Examining for tooth wear …
Tooth wear is becoming more and more common these days. Again many people are unaware that they have tooth wear, until it’s at the stage that it requires dental treatments to repair the damaged teeth. During dental check ups, tooth wear is assessed so prevention homecare advice can be given early. This can avoid further tooth damage where teeth will need to be repaired.
Examining for soft tissue lesions …
The dental check up also involves checking the flesh of the mouth, for anything suspicious such as ulcers or signs of cancer.
After the dental check up …
Having examined your mouth, teeth and gums, the findings are discussed with you and professional oral health advice given. So you can take control of your oral health.
This along with a professional cleaning to remove plaque, tartar and stains, helps to keep your mouth healthy and maintain your smile.
So book your dental check up & professional cleaning appointment so we may help you with your smile.
“ Great customer service and professional. I would recommend it because the dentist goes the extra mile and gives options and advice in relation to your concern. ”
More professional advice …
Keep your teeth clean
Our mouth is the gateway to our body. Healthy teeth and gums allow us to chew our food effectively thereby providing our body with the nutrients required for it to function properly. A healthy smile gives us confidence to meet and talk to people.
Plaque bacteria sit in our mouth. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Recent research studies show gum disease can put us at a higher risk to general health problems such as heart disease. One theory is that gum disease allows the bacteria that inhabit our mouth to enter the bloodstream and circulate around the body allowing them to settle in the heart blood vessels. Research has also shown some links between gum disease and stroke, respiratory disease, head and neck cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.
Cleaning teeth effectively twice a day helps keep plaque bacterial levels low in the mouth. Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and spit out after instead of rinsing. Clean in between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes or another suitable product. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Everyone’s mouth is different and certain products will be more suitable for certain people. At dentael we provide bespoke patient advice on what products are specifically suitable for your mouth.
Limit the amount of sugary & acidic foods & drinks
Sugar produces acids that causes tooth decay as well as causing obesity which can lead to other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Consuming sugar more frequently means your teeth are exposed to the plaque acids for longer putting them at a higher risk of tooth decay. If having chocolates, try to go for dark chocolate with high cocoa content as it can be less damaging to teeth. Diet sugar drinks may help to avoid the decay factor but they erode enamel tooth surface, causing tooth wear.
Drink plenty of water
About 70 % of the human body is comprised of water. Keeping hydrated has a huge impact on our overall health as our cells and organs require water to function properly. Some of the benefits of good hydration are that it helps with brain function and mood levels, and may prevent and treat headaches. Drinking plenty of water also aids digestion and removal of toxins, as well as maintaining good skin condition. It is recommended we drink about 2-3 litres of water a day.
Eat a healthy balanced diet
A balanced diet is a way of eating all of the right nutrients that our body needs in order to be healthy. Everyone’s bodies are different and often individuals require a different amount and type of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals in the diet are vital to boost immunity and healthy development, A healthy diet can protect the human body against certain types of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, bone conditions and some types of cancer. It is recommended vegetables and fruit makes up just over a third of our daily diet. The rest should be made up of proteins ( such as pulses, eggs, fish, poultry, meat, low fat milk and yoghurt) and carbohydrates (such as wholemeal/wholegrain rice, pasta, breads) along with small amounts of unsaturated fats.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Too much alcohol can increase the chances of getting heart disease, liver cirrhosis and cancers including mouth cancer. Statistics suggest oral cancer diagnosis is six times higher in those who drink than non-drinkers. Acute alcohol consumption can also cause reduced saliva flow. Saliva is our natural defence to diseases such as tooth decay. Alcoholic drinks also tend to contain more sugar and are more acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and tooth wear.
Avoid tobacco use
Smoking can cause many of the same diseases as alcohol but also many more. Smoking and drinking combined increases risks to diseases. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alone is responsible for 80-90% of oral cancer cases. Smoking can also cause gums disease, bad breath, discoloured teeth and plaque build up.
Exercise regularly
Whatever your age, scientific evidence shows that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life. People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. It’s good to be active daily, and it’s recommended to do at least 2 and half hours of exercise a week. This can range from walking, cycling or more intense exercise and sports.
We offer dental check up appointments for new patients. Based in Ealing Greenford Perivale, our modern dental clinic is easily accessible to residents, workers and students in West London and Middlesex. all patients receive a written treatment plan with prices so they may provide for dental insurance such as Simplyhealth. Experience exceptional dental care in a calm environment. Book your appointment.
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