Dental Checks & Prevention

A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and support structures in your mouth by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.

Prevention also includes

regular dental exams,
cleanings, and
x-rays.

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.

Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

Who is Suitable for Dental Exams?

Everyone can benefit from dental exams and prevention. Children, adults, and seniors should all have regular dental checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health. If you have existing dental problems or are at a higher risk of developing them, such as smokers, people with diabetes, or those with a family history of dental issues, you may need more frequent exams.

What Happens in a Dental Exam?

During a dental exam, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. The exam typically involves several steps, including:

Visual Exam: Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental problems.
X-Rays: Your dentist may take X-rays to detect any hidden dental problems, such as cavities between your teeth or issues with your jaw.
Gum Health Evaluation: Your dentist will check your gums for any signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding.
Oral Cancer Screening: Your dentist will examine your mouth, tongue, and throat for signs of oral cancer.
Bite and Jaw Alignment: Your dentist will check the alignment of your bite and jaw to ensure they function correctly.

What are the Benefits of Dental Exams?

Dental exams can help prevent many dental problems, including

tooth decay,
gum disease, and
oral cancer.

During a dental exam, your dentist can detect early signs of these issues and provide treatment before they become more severe. Dental exams can also help identify problems with your bite or jaw alignment, leading to headaches and facial pain. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent bad breath, keep your teeth looking white and bright, and improve your oral health.

Tooth Decay

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems affecting people of all ages. It is the breakdown of tooth enamel caused by acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid, damaging the enamel and leading to cavities. Over time, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

What are the Causes of Tooth Decay?

Poor oral hygiene is a significant cause of tooth decay, as it allows bacteria to accumulate in your mouth and produce acid. Eating a diet high in sugar and starches can also contribute to tooth decay, as these foods fuel the bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, dry mouth, acid reflux, and certain medications can increase your risk of developing tooth decay.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth Decay?

In the early stages, tooth decay may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, you may experience symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, pain when biting down, and visible holes or pits in your teeth. If the decay is left untreated, it can lead to an abscess, a painful infection at the tooth's root.

How can Tooth Decay be Treated?

The treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of the decay. In the early stages, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help strengthen the enamel and prevent further decay. If a cavity has developed, your dentist will need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a dental filling. If the decay has reached the tooth's pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. Extraction may be needed in severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved.

Prevention is the best way to avoid tooth decay. Practising good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily, can help remove plaque and prevent bacteria buildup in your mouth. Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and starches can also help reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. Additionally, regular dental checkups and cleanings can help detect and treat any signs of tooth decay before they become more severe.

What are the Types of Dental Exams?

There are several types of dental exams and prevention techniques available. The most common include:

Regular Dental Checkups are typically recommended twice a year and involve thoroughly examining your teeth and gums and X-rays to detect any underlying issues.
Professional Dental Cleanings: This involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth.
Sealants: Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent decay.
Oral Cancer Screenings involve thoroughly examining your mouth, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer.

Dental Digital X-Rays

What are Digital Dental X-rays?

Digital dental X-rays are digital imaging technology using digital sensors to capture detailed images of teeth, gums, and other oral structures.

Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected as a dental x-ray may reveal:

Tooth Decay,
Abscesses or cysts,
Bone loss,
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours,
Decay between the teeth,
Developmental abnormalities, and
Poor tooth and root positions.
Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Who Should Have Digital Dental X-rays?

If you are experiencing dental pain or have any other symptoms of dental problems, your dentist may recommend a digital dental X-ray to help diagnose the issue. Additionally, if you are undergoing any dental procedures, such as fillings or root canals, digital dental X-rays may be necessary to help guide the treatment.

What are the Benefits of Digital Dental X-rays?

Digital dental X-rays offer several benefits over traditional X-rays. These include:

Reduced Radiation Exposure: Digital dental X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them safer for patients.
Faster Results: Digital dental X-rays can be viewed immediately on a computer, allowing for more rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Higher-Quality Images: Digital dental X-rays produce higher-quality images, making it easier for your dentist to diagnose dental problems.
Environmentally Friendly: Digital dental X-rays do not require film or chemicals, making them an environmentally friendly option.

What are the Types of Digital Dental X-rays?

Several digital dental X-rays are available, each serving a different purpose. The most common types include:

Bitewing X-rays: show the upper and lower back teeth and are used to detect decay between teeth.
Periapical X-rays: show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, and are used to detect problems with the tooth's structure or bone loss.
Panoramic X-rays: show a broad view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and nasal area. They detect impacted teeth, jaw problems, and bone abnormalities.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): CBCT is a special type of X-ray that produces 3D images of the teeth, jaw, and skull. It is used for more complex dental procedures, such as dental implants or orthodontic treatment.

How Often Should Dental X-rays Be Taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A complete mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Fluoride Treatment

What is a Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It involves the application of fluoride to the teeth to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

Fluoride can be applied topically, as a gel or varnish, or taken systemically through fluoridated water or supplements. Fluoride remineralises the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid and decay.

Who is Suitable for Fluoride Treatment?

If you have a history of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or a dry mouth, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth.

What are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment offers several benefits, including:

Stronger Teeth
Prevents Cavities
Safe and Effective
Cost-Effective

What are the Types of Fluoride Treatment?

There are several types of fluoride treatment available, including:

Topical Fluoride: Topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth as a gel or varnish. It is commonly used during dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.
Systemic Fluoride: Systemic fluoride is taken internally through fluoridated water or supplements. Systemic fluoride can help strengthen teeth from the inside out, providing long-lasting protection against dental problems.
Prescription Fluoride: Prescription fluoride is a higher concentration of fluoride your dentist prescribes. It is used to treat severe tooth decay cases or help prevent cavities in high-risk patients.

Fluoride Treatment Effectiveness

Fluoride treatment is highly effective for protecting your teeth from decay and other dental problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water fluoridation is one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century, reducing the prevalence of tooth decay by up to 25%. Additionally, studies have shown that topical fluoride treatment can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 30%.

Sealants

What are Sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventive measure dentists use to protect teeth from decay.

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to occur. The sealant fills in the grooves and pits of the teeth, creating a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from accumulating and causing decay.

Who is Suitable for Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are suitable for people of all ages, particularly children and teenagers more prone to developing cavities. Adults with deep grooves or pits in their teeth may also benefit from sealants. If you are at a higher risk of dental problems or have a history of cavities, your dentist may recommend dental sealants as a preventive measure.

What are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants offer several benefits, including:

Prevents Cavities
Cost-Effective
Safe and Effective

What are the Types of Dental Sealants?

There are two main types of dental sealants: resin-based and glass ionomer.

Resin-Based Sealants: The most common type of sealant. They are made of a plastic material applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light. Resin-based sealants can last up to 10 years.
Glass Ionomer Sealants: Made of a combination of acrylic and glass powder. They are applied to the teeth and harden over time. Glass ionomer sealants are less durable than resin-based sealants but can release fluoride, which can help prevent cavities.

Sealant Effectiveness

Dental sealants are a highly effective preventive measure for protecting teeth from cavities. According to the CDC, dental sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80% in the first year of application and continue to protect for up to 10 years.

Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

Home Care

In addition to regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, several home care tips can help prevent dental problems and improve oral health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and the gum line.
Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash containing fluoride.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water can help rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated. Fluoridated water can also help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, can damage your teeth and gums and increase your risk of oral cancer. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of dental problems.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or engage in other physical activities, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from injury.