Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you maintain a healthy mouth. Helping to prevent tooth loss and excessive dental treatment. The two main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease, so the more effective the prevention methods are, the more chance people have of keeping their teeth for life. Our clinicians may recommend a course of treatment to get your oral health to a good condition, and then work out a ‘maintenance plan’ to help you keep it that way.
Yes. Preventive dentistry will benefit anyone. People who no longer have any teeth can also benefit, because conditions such as mouth cancer and denture stomatitis can be spotted and treated through regular visits to the dentist. No matter your age, now is the best time to take action to improve your oral health.
Your dentist will often recommend treatment to strengthen a tooth and help prevent fractures. For example, if the dentist sees that a tooth is cracked, or is weak and in danger of breaking, they may advise a new filling or perhaps a crown to protect it. This is always better than waiting until the tooth breaks or causes pain and dealing with it as an emergency.
Fluoride helps teeth resist decay. If your dentist thinks extra fluoride would be useful, they may recommend applying a fluoride varnish. They may also suggest fluoride rinses, tablets or drops to use at home as an extra help against decay. Children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000 ppm (parts per million). Three-year-olds to adults should use a toothpaste that contains 1350 ppm to 1500 ppm of fluoride.
The biting surfaces of teeth can be protected by applying sealants. These make the tooth surface smoother and easier to clean, preventing decay in the difficult-to-clean areas. Your dentist will suggest whether this would be right for you.
Food and drinks containing sugar cause decay. If you cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks this will help a lot. Foods such as cheese, fruit, nuts and vegetables are better for your teeth.
Dental erosion is the loss of enamel caused by an acid attack. When the enamel is worn away it can lead to pain and sensitivity. Foods and drinks that contain acid, such as citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, smoothies, fruit juice and fruit teas, can all cause dental erosion if you have them often.
Acidic foods and drinks can be harmful if you have them often in large amounts. Try to keep acidic food and drinks to mealtimes and drink acidic drinks through a straw. We recommend that you do not brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything. Every time you eat or drink, the enamel on your teeth becomes softer for a short while and loses some of its mineral content. Waiting 30 minutes or so will allow your saliva to slowly restore it to its natural balance.
Yes. Smoking can cause tooth staining, tooth loss, mouth cancer and exacerbate gum disease. If you smoke, you may need to visit the dentist or hygienist more often, but the best advice is to stop completely. Alcoholic drinks can also cause mouth cancer and if you smoke and drink, you are more at risk. Some alcoholic drinks contain a lot of sugar, and some mixed drinks may contain acids. These can cause decay or erosion if you drink them often and in large amounts.
It is very important that you keep up a good routine at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend that you:
Always use mouthwash at a separate time to brushing – mouthwash has lower levels of fluoride than toothpaste, so you want to avoid rinsing away the toothpaste with something inferior.
Yes. You can take other steps to help prevent tooth loss, decay and the need for treatment.
Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
There are now many specialised toothpastes, including total care toothpastes and toothpastes made specially to help with plaque and gum disease, sensitive teeth and whitening. The most important factor is that it contains the right level of fluoride (1,500 ppm). Mouthwashes can help, and there are different types, including ones with anti-bacterial ingredients. Adults should use a toothbrush with a small- to medium-sized head and soft to medium filaments (bristles). Tests have shown that electric toothbrushes with an oscillating, rotating action are more efficient than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and can remove up to twice as much plaque as a manual toothbrush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on the one that best suits your needs.
