At Bellevue Hill Dental, we have a strong focus on preventative dentistry, meaning we are committed to helping you keep your teeth healthy for longer and thereby reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and the need for corrective dental treatments and procedures.
Preventing dental problems requires good oral hygiene, which occurs through a combination of efficient at-home dental care, together with regular visits to your dentist.
Twice yearly check-ups
It’s important to visit your dentist twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment and complete assessment to identify any problems before they escalate. At your six monthly check-up you will benefit from a thorough professional clean, including scaling/polishing your teeth to remove plaque and tartar build-up, and applying decay-preventative agents which help strengthen teeth.
But your regular check-up is about much more than simply giving your teeth a really good clean. Your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and gums to ascertain if there are any underlying issues which need attention, such as signs of decay or gum disease, damaged fillings, or broken or loose teeth. Identifying potential oral health concerns in their earliest stages often means corrective treatment is simpler, more effective, less time-consuming and less expensive.
Early detection may also avoid the general health complications that dental problems can lead to. These range from bad breath (halitosis) to difficulties with eating and speaking properly, to gum disease and tooth loss, to the most serious of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Ultimately, taking care of your mouth not only avoids dental problems and ensures you have a great smile, but is crucial to maintaining your overall health.
Apart from fixing any existing dental problems you may have, and providing detailed information on any cosmetic options you may wish to consider, the aim of our preventative care program is to educate our clients on the correct techniques for good oral hygiene and give expert advice on oral health care to prevent further problems occurring in future. Your dentist will advise on all aspects of how to develop healthy oral hygiene habits to help keep your teeth free from plaque and cavities, and will provide demonstrations of the correct techniques to use to ensure maintenance of optimum oral hygiene.
Daily oral hygiene at home
A good home care routine is also essential for reducing the risks of problems occurring. In between your regular professional check-ups, your maintenance of daily good oral hygiene habits will help nip problems in the bud, avoiding infections, decay and diseases. Good oral hygiene involves implementing an efficient cleaning routine, including:
- brushing twice daily;
- flossing or using dental ‘pick sticks’;
- using antiseptic mouthwash;
- using a dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste; and
- regularly replacing toothbrushes or electric toothbrush heads.
It also helps to be aware of dietary concerns, including the importance of eating foods that help strengthen enamel by stimulating saliva, incorporating calcium, vitamin D and other beneficial vitamins and minerals into your diet; and avoiding foods which are high in sugars, which our bodies convert to harmful acids leading to staining and decay. Your dentist can provide you with more information on the kinds of dietary changes which will assist with the prevention of dental problems and the maintenance of excellent oral health.
To arrange your next dental check-up, please call Bellevue Hill Dental on (02) 9389 4748 today.
