Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the new approach for reducing the amount of dental treatment necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. It helps to preserve the health of your teeth for longer.
Decay and gum disease are the major causes of tooth loss. The better we avoid or handle these two problems, the higher the chance of keeping your teeth for life. Avoid the traditional pattern of fillings and extractions by choosing the right treatment and maintenance plan. Regular visits to the dentist can also help spot and treat conditions such as mouth cancer and denture stomatitis. This approach is excellent for children, but it is never too late to start.
Children
The aim is to prevent dental diseases rather than treat it at a later date. Fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth-coloured sealants) are applied to biting surfaces of children's teeth to protect them. These make the teeth smoother and easier to clean and prevent decay in areas that are difficult to clean. Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth and can last several years before any reapplication is needed.
Bad Breath
Smelly or bad breath is a popular problem with many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth, gum disease, and tooth decays are the main cause of bad breath. If you see us here at the Nelson Dental Clinic regularly, we will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
Gum Disease
Examining and screening your gums for possible diseases forms an integral part of your routine examination here at the Nelson Dental Clinic. If gum disease is not treated the gum pulls away from the teeth allowing “pockets” of infection to form. Gradually, the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place start to break down and, with more delay, the teeth may become loose and may have to be removed.
Decay Detection
Tooth decay is a common dental problem that can cause significant discomfort as well as serious long-term complications if left untreated. Regular cleanings are the best way to ensure that even difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth remain clean and free of bacteria. Sealants and fluoride can also provide another line of defence to protect you from dental cavities. Depending on the severity of your tooth decay, different treatments are available. In the cases of mild to moderate tooth decay, for example, dental fillings can be used to replace lost dental tissue, restoring structural integrity to the tooth and protecting the inner tissues of the tooth from further decay.
Mouth Guards
A mouth-guard is a removable polyvinyl shield worn over your upper teeth that will protect your teeth, soft tissues, and jaw from injury. Anyone who plays rough contact sports such as boxing, hockey or rugby can benefit from using mouth guards. In the case of people who have the habit of clenching or grinding their teeth at night, a bite plate should be used to prevent damage to the teeth.
The best mouth guard is the custom-made one. A custom fitted mouth-guard is made from a mould taken of your teeth in the dental surgery and fits tightly and comfortably over your teeth. This type of mouth-guard allows you to breathe and talk freely.