Preventative Care
Maintaining your oral health doesn’t just help keep you smiling, it is also important to your overall health and wellbeing. Sustaining good dental hygiene habits combined with routine examinations and cleanings will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and help identify potential problems before they occur.
What is preventive care?
Preventative dentistry helps to support and maintain a healthy mouth. Preventive care includes routine examinations, cleanings, x-rays, dental hygiene, and education so that you can sustain your oral health and avoid problems down the road.
Why would I need preventative care?
A good oral hygiene and maintenance routine not only preserves your oral health but can help to identify potential problems before they occur or worsen. Preventative care can help you avoid tooth and gum issues such as cavities, gingivitis, damage, and periodontal disease. …and since your oral health is strongly linked with your health as a whole, oral hygiene and ongoing care can help you to avoid other illnesses that can arise due to poor oral hygiene such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
More about preventative care
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage gums.
Research is now showing that gum disease is linked to Heart Disease. Studies are showing that if you have gum disease you have at least 2 times increase in risk of getting heart disease. This figure is taking into account all other factors. For more information ask your dentist or visit Pub Med (search for Periodontal Disease & Heart Disease).
In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. In the more advances stages of gum disease, called periodontitis the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
What Are The Signs Of Gum Disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see you dentist immediately:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth, bad breath that does not go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
- The Dentists can now treat periodontal disease without the need for traditional gum surgery.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day and having regular dental exams. Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled tooth brush that is in good condition. Toothpaste and mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay.
Clean Between Your Teeth Every Day
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes bacteria and food particles from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Early gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups such as breads, cereals and other grain products, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit between meal snacks.
Visit Your Dentist/Hygienist Regularly
It is important to have regular dental examinations and professional gum treatment is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.
Why preventative care at the Dentists Whanganui?
At the Dentists, you can relax in our capable hands. Our highly trained dental specialists have years of experience and training and take a holistic approach that will ensure that both you and your smile stays happy and healthy.
One-on-one Consultation
No one wants to be hustled into a chair. We’ll sit down with you face-to-face in a comfortable room and discuss your situation.
The Power of Choice
We bring you back in for a free consultation to review all of the options. Get the information you need, then you can decide.
The Best Care Anywhere
You’re more than just a number. We want you to live the best life possible and we give you the very same care we’d give our own family.
Oral Health Experts
Whether you’re just in for a check-up or are interested in a full makeover, we have the experience and expertise to get you the best results.
State-of-the-art Dentistry
We have some of the best dental equipment and technology anywhere. Our state-of-the-art facilities result in less pain and better outcomes.
Come Here, Stay Here
Our network of highly-skilled experts means we can take care of all of your dental needs right here. No sending you to another dentist. You stay with us.
Outstanding outcomes
Does your dream of perfect oral health seem out of reach?
It's not as far away as you think. We can help you get there.
You deserve the best and our experienced team has the expertise, passion, and integrity to ensure that you get it. What you need, and nothing more.