PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

Minimum intervention for maximum health

At Inform Dental, we strongly focus on the prevention of dental problems before they can impact on your oral health.

It’s estimated 80% of people will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime. Gum disease – also called periodontal disease – is generally an infection of the gum tissues surrounding the tooth roots such as the bone. Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

The team at Inform Dental believe preventive care is the key to long-term optimal oral health. That’s why we focus on thorough exams – checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, take digital x-rays when necessary and know a routine hygiene therapy treatment is also essential in preventing the development of dental disease.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by plaque. Plaque is a colourless film, which adheres to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, which is why brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day as well as attending regular check-up appointments at Inform Dental is so important when it comes to preventing the development of periodontal disease.
  • Regular Examination

    Keeping your smile happy and healthy

    A comprehensive examination and oral hygiene treatment every six months will enable the Inform Dental team to detect and treat teeth and gum problems in their infancy before they have a chance to develop.


    During your full examination and clean your dentist will clean your teeth and remove any tartar build-up, which is unable to be removed by brushing and flossing. They will also check for signs of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss and then examine each tooth for cavities and broken fillings. They will also assess your bite to ensure that your teeth fit together perfectly and check your airways and facial development.


    To keep a record of your oral health, the Inform Dental team may also take detailed x-rays. These will allow our dental team to check for any problems that may be occurring below your gum line or with jawbone under restorations and within teeth that do not have any visual signs of decay.


    If it’s been a while since your last check-up, then don’t put it off any longer, schedule an appointment at Inform Dental.

  • Dietary Advice

    Eat your way to better dental health

    Your diet has just as big an impact on your oral health as it does your general health. Although it’s great to enjoy a snack now and then; snacking on sugary treats between meals, drinking soft and sports drinks as well as drinks with high acidity contribute to dental decay and chemical erosion of teeth.


    Food that contains sugar support plaque formation that produces an acid that can attack the enamel of your teeth after consuming these products. Frequent consumption of these foods makes you predisposed to dental decay and diseases such as gum disease.


    Being overweight and obesity also predisposes you to Sleep Disordered breathing, Craniofacial and jaw pain.

  • Pregnancy and Oral Health

    Brushing for two

    Pregnancy is a very exciting time and while many mothers-to-be are focussed on healthy eating, it’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy.


    If you’re already pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with the Inform Dental team. Be sure to advise our team that you are pregnant when making your appointment.


    Routine dental treatments are safe during pregnancy and it’s important that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout this period. We can also advise related to your child’s initial Dental needs, which start from birth. (ie: feeding, airways etc)


    Your Inform Dental dentist may recommend an oral health check-up during your second trimester. That’s because morning sickness has usually subsided by this time.

  • Oral Hygiene

    Enjoying teeth and gums healthy for life

    Although you may follow a strict oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, it’s still important to schedule a dental hygiene appointment with the Inform Dental team every six months.


    Plaque is a clear, sticky film that builds-up on the surface of your teeth. When it hardens it becomes tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing. If left untreated tartar can lead to the development of gum disease and bad breath.


    Equally as important is how you brush. You don’t need a long line of toothpaste on your brush, just use about the size of your little fingernail.


    1) For the front of your front teeth, angle your brush at about 45 degrees and brush in small circular motions. Do not scrub. This also massages your gums while removing plaque

    2) For the back of your front teeth, hold your brush vertically and brush up and down ensuring you brush your gums as well as your tooth surface. Brush each tooth individually. Do not scrub.

    3) For your back teeth use a horizontal forward and back motion across the top of your teeth, this will help the bristles get into the deep grooves. Do not scrub. Then tilt your brush to 45 degrees – like for your front teeth – and brush the outside and inside of your back teeth and gums

    4) Remember to brush your tongue, roof of your mouth and cheeks.


    A thorough brushing routine should generally take between 3 – 5 minutes.


    Effective flossing techniques:

    Flossing can take a few attempts to master, but it’s an essential part of an oral health routine.


    Flossing before bed will remove any food particles from between your teeth so they are not there all night. It’s a good idea to floss before brushing to ensure you don’t miss anything.


    1) With a piece of floss approximately 50cm long, wrap it around each index finger, leaving a length of about 5cm

    2) Grip the floss between your thumb and index finger and curve it around your tooth so it forms the shape of a ‘C’

    3) Slide the floss up and down the side of the tooth as well as below the gum line. This will open the gum pockets and keep them free from food particles

    4) Select a new, clean length of floss from around your fingers and floss each tooth individually.

  • Smoking and Your Oral Health

    Damaging more than your general health

    In addition to the impact it has on your general health, smoking also increases your risk of developing periodontal disease, can stain teeth, causes bad breath and impaired taste.


    You will also be more vulnerable to infection and smoking reduces your saliva flow and saliva quality, which is essential for maintaining oral health. Smoking also increases the risk of oral cancer, sleep apnoea and snoring.


    If you need advice on quitting, the Inform dental team are happy to assist you with cessation counselling and further information.

  • Tooth Decay

    Keeping your smile filling free

    Plaque is a clear, sticky film that accumulates on the teeth and gums, which can be removed by brushing thoroughly twice a day. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food and drinks you consume and make acid. The acid attacks the enamel of teeth and over time, these acids can erode tooth enamel, causing decay.


    There are some things that can make you more susceptible to tooth decay such as not brushing and flossing regularly and not visiting the Inform Dental team for checkups and cleanings.


    Saliva contains many anti-bacterial properties and is your body’s natural defence against tooth decay. Saliva also helps wash away food and harmful sugars, so it helps protect your teeth. People who have a dry mouth, which may be caused by a medical condition, taking certain medicines, or by breathing through your mouth, may experience dry mouth and increased dental decay and gum disease.


    To keep your mouth healthy and prevent the development of tooth decay, call and schedule a check-up appointment with the Inform Dental team today.

  • Periodontal Disease

    The leading cause of adult tooth loss

    An estimated 80% of people will experience some form of gum disease during their lifetime. Gum disease – also called periodontal disease – This is generally caused by an infection of the gums, tooth roots and bone surrounding the teeth.


    Gingivitis

    Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can cause inflammation, gum tenderness and bleeding when brushing and flossing.


    When treated early by the Inform Dental team, gingivitis can be reversed and prevented in the future by adopting a thorough oral hygiene routine and attending regular hygiene check-up appointments every six months.


    Periodontitis

    Periodontal disease is a condition that increases in its severity the longer it is left untreated and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When gum disease has progressed from gingivitis, it is then known as periodontitis.


    The most common cause of gum disease is plaque, a clear sticky film over the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque attacks the gum tissue and tooth enamel, causing both gum disease and tooth decay.


    Correct brushing twice a day (morning after breakfast and night before bed) and flossing will help prevent the build-up of plaque.


    The signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of gum disease include:


    Swollen and tender gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth

    Space that has recently formed between teeth and increases

    Receding gum line that makes your teeth look longer

    Pus between teeth

    Mouth sores

    Constant bad breath

    Changes in how your teeth bite together

    Teeth mobility

    Pain on chewing

    If you experience any of these symptoms you should schedule a hygiene appointment with the Inform Dental team.

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