Prevention

Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is done by a dental hygienist who will help to remove any plaque, calculus and tartar from your teeth that may have built up in certain areas over time. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes, this process is also known as scaling and polishing. An important aspect of the hygienist’s role is to show you how to look after your teeth so they remain free from harmful bacteria that adhere to your teeth. You will be advised on the best brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.

Dental hygiene at the dental practice also forms part of treating gum disease and bad breath. If you have a dental bridge, partial denture, orthodontic appliances or a dental implants you will have specific hygiene needs that the hygienist will be able to assist you with.

It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.

Oral Cancer Screening
Studies show that oral cancer is on the increase and that early detection dramatically improves the chances of recovery. Oral cancer screening is a short procedure at the dental practice that involves a thorough examination of your whole mouth. This will highlight any risk factors so we can treat or refer you as quickly as possible.

It is recommended that you come in for a screening on a yearly basis. If you have any sores, lumps or long-term ulcers in your mouth, no matter how small, it is very important that you come in to have it looked at.

Smoking is strongly linked with many forms of cancer and other dental problems, we always encourage our patients to quit smoking.

Mouth Guards
Mouth guards should be used by anyone — children and adults — who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.

Custom-fitted mouth Guards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist’s instructions. To start we will take an impression of your teeth and fabricate a replica of your mouth, after this a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Because the guard is molded to your exact individual teeth the fit is perfect and provides optimum protection and retention.

Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your upper jaw), your dentist can make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable, easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.