Preventive Care

Preventive Care

We provide thorough oral examinations including oral cancer screening.  Early preventive treatment with sealants, preventive resins, replacing defective fillings and periodontal care can prevent future complex and costly problems.

Preventing dental disease is a good way of helping to ensure you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Preventing periodontal disease starts with a good diet, rich in calcium, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and hydration.  Good oral hygiene habits include effective brushing after meals and flossing at least once before bedtime. Regular professional periodontal (hygiene) treatment (“cleanings”) is also very important.

Preventing cavities also starts with a good diet, as above. In addition, reducing foods that are high in sugar, or are sticky and adhere to teeth is important. Avoiding high sugar drinks such as soft drinks or energy drinks can help. When meals are not eaten at home, teeth can be cared for by rinsing with water after a meal, eating foods that can cleanse teeth (ie. carrots, celery, etc) or neutralize acids (hard white cheese). Keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste available is also helpful.

The anatomy and position of teeth, in addition to the quality, quantity and pH of a person’s saliva may make them more prone to decay. In young teeth, if the grooves of teeth (especially back molars) are deep and pitted, a protective material placed in these areas may help to keep them clean. This may be in the form of a sealant or preventive resin. They both help to keep food out of deep, hard to clean areas of the teeth and help to reduce the risk of decay. These teeth can still be vulnerable to dental disease with poor diet and oral hygiene habits.

Children (less than 6 years)  who are unable to spit effectively, may use a non-fluoridated toothpaste. If too much fluoride is swallowed in the early years, as new teeth are developing, these permanent teeth may erupt with enamel (tooth structure) defects (brownish, yellowish weaker enamel) that make them more prone to cavities. Once a child can spit effectively, a fluoridated toothpaste is recommended.

Regular recare “checkup” appointments are important to allow both the dentist and hygienist to assess if any dental disease is present and to treat it early to avoid future discomfort and expense.