Dental Check Ups and Hygiene Visits
How to avoid tooth decay and gum disease …
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay happens when acids wear away the hard enamel outer surface layer. These acids are formed by bacteria in plaque, that feed on sugar from foods and drinks. Plaque is the film that sticks to teeth.
Over time tooth decay can cause holes in the teeth, known as cavities. If untreated, cavities can get bigger and may destroy the tooth.
What is gum disease?
Gums are the soft flesh around the tooth. Gum disease is inflammation or infection of the gums. It’s caused by bacteria in the plaque sitting on teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins and acids that affect the gums. Gums can become red, puffy or bleed.
Over time gum disease can cause gums to come away from the tooth. These pockets can contain plaque and tartar and can worsen. The bone around the teeth can be destroyed, making teeth loose. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Why have a regular dental check up?
Tooth decay can begin and progress without a person knowing. Sometimes it’s too late and the tooth needs to be extracted because it cannot be repaired. At a dental check up, the dentist can see if there are any signs of tooth decay or cavities. By taking x-rays, they can see if there is tooth decay that is not visible just by looking. 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.
Many people also do not know that they have gum disease. At a dental check up, the dentist checks for signs of gum disease. If picked up early, gum disease can be controlled, helping to prevent teeth being lost.
Why have regular dental hygiene?
Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar. This reduces the chance of getting tooth decay and gum disease.
10 Dental Health & Wellbeing Homecare Tips
1. Visit your dentist regularly, as often as recommended.
2. Clean your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
3. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
4. Clean in between your teeth using floss or a suitable product.
5. Reduce the amount & frequency of sugar & acidic foods/drinks.
6. Avoid tobacco use.
7. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
8. Drink plenty of water.
9. Eat a healthy balanced diet.
10. Exercise regularly.
10 Reasons why regular dental check ups help
1. Keep your teeth for longer
2. Have a cleaner, whiter smile
3. Avoid bad breath
4. Child’s overall development
5. General health with diabetes & cardiovascular problems
6. Prevent problems from developing
7. Spot problems early so treatment is simpler
8. Simpler treatment saves money
9. Receive prevention advice specific to you
10. Maintain your smile to improve your confidence
At Dentael, we’re here to help with preventing dental problems as well as helping with jaw pain, teeth grinding and teeth clenching symptoms. Our dentist has 30 years experience dedicated to providing high quality dental care for patients of all ages. She is a long standing member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England,as well as the British Dental Association.
Our modern dental clinic is based in Ealing Perivale Greenford and is ideally located for residents, workers and students in West London and Middlesex. If you have jaw pain and need a custom mouthguard, we’re here to help. So book your dental appointment.
Experience high quality dental care in a calm environment by a compassionate professional.