Ideally, dentistry is preventative. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your dentist regularly – at least once every six months – to ensure proper oral hygiene and functionality. Regular checkups and oral health maintenance prevent the development of serious dental problems that can require costly treatment. If you remain vigilant and visit your dentist regularly, you can enjoy exceptional dental health.

The best way to avoid root canals is to take good daily care of your teeth to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. Brushing and flossing are important. Just as important are regular trips to the dentist, to check for the first sign of decay or cracks that could eventually lead to an infected tooth. In this case, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

General dentists serve as your first line of defense against oral health problems
Our programs for maintaining good general dental health include:

Bad Breath

Over 90% of the odours causing bad breath come from bacteria lodged within the mouth and generally in areas not easily reached by routine brushing. As part of our maintenance program, our dental hygienist will remove bacteria and deposits surrounding the tooth and advise on the most appropriate inter-dental cleaning techniques and material to be used at home to provide a long lasting solution to a bad breath problem.

Gum disease

Gum Disease is caused by a build up of bacteria that lives within plaque and tartar that build up on teeth during everyday living and is the main cause of tooth loss in adults as oppose to decay. Daily removal of plaque and tartar, particularly between the teeth is essential if gum disease is not to become serious problem. Failure to remove bacteria can cause the gums to redden and swell and bleed easily hen touched. If not treated, gum disease can progress to cause gum shrinkage, bone loss and ultimately loose teeth.

Thorough removal of bacteria and deposits is a major part of our maintenance program carried out by our dental hygienists who will also advise on the most appropriate interdental cleaning techniques and materials to be used at home to redress problems with gum disease.

Cavities

Cavities or caries occur when the two outer layers of the tooth, the enamel and the dentine, become eroded. The enamel is the hard, white, outer layer of the tooth, while the dentine is the layer found just beneath that.

Cavities are caused by bacteria or germs that live in the mouth, and grow by sugary and sticky foods and drinks. When the bacteria digest our food they produce acids which cause teeth to become soft. This is a gradual process and with proper care it can be avoided. Everything we eat and drink with the exception of water has the potential to cause cavities if the teeth are not cared for properly.