The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene
Not only does good oral hygiene help prevent more commonly known issues such as cavities and gum disease, but it can also help keep you healthier overall. Poor oral hygiene has been linked with high levels of inflammation, poor diet quality, and health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pneumonia.
Regular check-ups every six months with your dentist will help you to stay on top of any possible problems that may develop, including gum disease. Without professional help, gum disease can be difficult to detect before issues like gingivitis take hold.
General dentistry treatments & procedures
During a general dental “routine” appointment, the dentist will typically perform a thorough examination to identify any signs of underlying or obvious disease or other oral health issues. In some cases, minor fillings or extractions may also be necessary. Let’s take a closer look at these fundamental dental procedures we administer during your appointment.
Dental examination
Our general dental routine examinations consist of a thorough examination of your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease, cracks, chips, or decay. When necessary, we utilise X-rays for a more detailed analysis of your specific circumstances. Along with the X-rays, this examination helps to assess the alignment of your teeth during biting, detection of cavities, evaluate the positioning of all your teeth and jaw, and identify any abnormalities such as bone loss.
Just like people, every mouth is unique and whilst routine examinations do not guarantee the prevention of an oral health complication, they serve as a basis of evaluation for your individual situation. From this point, your dentist can develop a treatment plan to aid in the prevention of problems and enhance your overall oral health.
Tooth loss
If you’ve experienced a knocked-out tooth, immediate action is crucial. Preserve the tooth and contact us immediately for reattachment or assessment to protect the surrounding gum tissue.
Scale and clean
Plaque is a thin film that forms on your teeth made by and containing harmful bacteria. Everyone gets plaque., However, if not brushed away regularly, it can harden into tartar (dental calculus) over time. Tartar can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone and only a dentist or hygienist can physically remove it, using specialised tools. Tartar left on your teeth will lead to gum disease, bad breath, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.
Fluoride treatment
After your dentist or hygienist clean, you have the option of getting a fluoride treatment. Dentists like to offer this because fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth’s protective barrier against bacteria. Dental fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralising tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acidic foods and drinks.
Dental X-rays
As mentioned above, we will take x-rays of your teeth during the dental examination to obtain an accurate assessment of any areas needing attention. This provides us with a reference point to accurately monitor your oral health and help detect any issues early.
