Preventive Care

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and catching potential issues early when they're easier and less expensive to treat.

What Happens During a Checkup?

• Comprehensive examination of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
• Assessment of existing restorations (fillings, crowns)
• Oral cancer screening
• Bite and jaw function evaluation
• Digital X-rays when necessary
• Personalised oral health advice
• Treatment planning for any issues found

Early Detection Benefits

Regular checkups allow us to identify and address problems in their earliest stages, including:

• Tooth decay before it causes pain
• Gum disease in its initial stages
• Oral health conditions and infections
• Signs of teeth grinding or jaw problems
• Oral cancer and other serious conditions

Professional Hygienist Visits

Our skilled hygienists provide professional cleaning and education to help you maintain excellent oral hygiene between dental visits.

What is a Hygienist Appointment?

A hygienist appointment is a professional cleaning session that goes far beyond what you can achieve with home care alone. Our hygienists use specialised tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and provide personalised oral hygiene instruction.

Scale and Polish Treatment

This comprehensive cleaning includes:

• Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
• Professional polishing to remove surface stains
• Fluoride treatment for added protection
• Gum health assessment
• Oral hygiene demonstration and advice
• Recommendations for home care products

Benefits of Regular Hygienist Visits

• Prevention of gum disease and tooth decay
• Removal of stains for a brighter smile
• Fresh breath and improved oral comfort
• Early detection of oral health issues
• Personalised oral hygiene education
• Reduced risk of tooth loss
• Lower long-term dental treatment costs

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, but it's entirely preventable with proper care and regular hygienist visits.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages:

• Gingivitis: Early stage with red, swollen, bleeding gums
• Periodontitis: Advanced stage affecting the supporting structures of teeth
• Advanced Periodontitis: Severe damage that can lead to tooth loss

Signs to Watch For

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in bite

Prevention Strategies

• Regular hygienist appointments every 3-6 months
• Proper daily brushing technique
• Daily flossing or interdental cleaning
• Using antibacterial mouthwash
• Healthy diet low in sugar
• Not smoking

Personalised Oral Hygiene Instruction

Everyone's mouth is different, which is why we provide personalised oral hygiene advice tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Proper Brushing Technique

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Brush for at least two minutes, twice daily
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
• Use gentle, circular motions
• Don't forget your tongue!

Flossing and Interdental Cleaning

• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Use proper flossing technique
• Consider interdental brushes for larger gaps
• Water flossers can be helpful for some patients

Product Recommendations

Our hygienists will recommend the best oral care products for your individual needs, including:

• Appropriate toothbrush type
• Fluoride toothpaste selection
• Mouthwash recommendations
• Interdental cleaning aids
• Special products for specific conditions

How Often Should You Visit?

The frequency of your preventive care visits depends on your individual oral health needs and risk factors.

Standard Recommendations

• Dental Checkups: Every 6 months for most patients
• Hygienist Visits: Every 3-6 months depending on gum health
• High-Risk Patients: May need more frequent visits

Factors Affecting Visit Frequency

• History of gum disease
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes or other health conditions
• Pregnancy
• Family history of dental problems
• Previous dental work
• Age and lifestyle factors

The Link Between Oral and Overall Health

Research has shown strong connections between oral health and overall health, making preventive dental care even more important.

Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory infections
• Pregnancy complications
• Alzheimer's disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

How Prevention Helps

Maintaining good oral health through regular preventive care can:

• Reduce inflammation throughout the body
• Lower risk of systemic diseases
• Improve overall quality of life
• Reduce healthcare costs
• Boost confidence and self-esteem