Why visit the dentist?

Visiting the dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth healthy. If ignored, dental problems can cause discomfort, sometimes leading to serve pain which could result in expensive treatment.

Common problems include:

• Plaque
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease.

Plaque

Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular visits to your dentist, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and a healthy diet will help to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you are at risk of, or already have, gum disease. It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain healthy gums. Improper brushing and flossing technique may actually irritate or traumatise the gum tissue.

Bad breath

Bad breath is breath that has an unpleasant odour. It’s also known as halitosis. This odour can strike from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, depending on the cause.
Bad breath caused by dental problems can be easily prevented with regular visits to your dentist and a good daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is the most common problem that we treat at the practice. The British Dental Health Foundation believes that most of us have 95% chance of suffering from some form of it. There may not be any obvious symptoms but you should consult your dentist if you suffer from toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or swelling of the jaw. By visiting the dentist regularly, tooth decay can often be prevented.

Gum disease

Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque, and can be avoided if you floss, and brush your teeth twice a day. There are various symptoms of gum disease, including swelling, redness, soreness and bleeding during brushing, but there are only two main forms of it. These are known as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gum disease causes more tooth loss than tooth decay, and so you should ensure you maintain your regular visits to your dentist and a daily routine of brushing and flossing to prevent the build up of plaque.

Hygiene

Knowing how to look after your teeth doesn’t have to be a secret. We are keen to offer support and advice when it comes to your individual dental routine. Regular professional cleaning combined with good habits at home will result in a clean and healthy mouth, reducing the risk of tooth loss and making the most of the appearance of your smile. Our hygienist is able to provide you with advice and continuing dental support. Find out more.