PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE

The main goal of our practice is preventive care. You may be wondering what does that mean?

 

It means to encourage and motivate good habits that prevent dental disease and promote a healthy lifestyle. Visiting us on a regular basis achieves this by keeping you as healthy as possible and reduce your future dental expenditures. Frequent check-ups can detect problems at an earlier stage, requiring less invasive and costly treatment.

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It is known that there is a link between oral health and overall health

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Brushing and Flossing

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You've been brushing your whole life. But what about flossing? Chances are you've heard it before, to floss more. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Having the proper technique to care for your mouth is a simple investment with huge long term benefit. 

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Gum Disease

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A significant percentage of the population has some form of gum disease. Your gums will be measured annually to assess the presence of gum disease. Bacteria in between the gums and teeth can lead to inflammation and possible bone loss over time if left untreated. Attending your appointments regularly to clean your teeth as well as proper home care can manage the disease and achieve a healthy mouth. We can identify areas that you may miss when brushing and flossing so you can improve your home care and prevent cavities and gum disease. You should take gum disease seriously as it is a chronic condition that builds up over time. 

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Regular scaling is how we treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar. We achieve a smoother tooth surface and this allows the gums to heal and reduce inflammation. Some people require more frequent scaling appointments. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, immunosuppression, crooked teeth, and certain medications. 

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Cavities

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Often the main concern patients have when visiting the dentist. Cavities are caused by many factors at play such as diet, oral hygiene habits, and genetics. Foods such as candy, chocolate, and other sweets are the main culprits people think of that can cause cavities. But any food high in carbs can cause cavities too such as fruit, rice, pasta, and bread. 

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Constant snacking throughout the day runs the risk of creating cavities as the teeth are subject to sugars for a long period of time. Bacteria use these sugars for food and produce acid which is what eats away at your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing ensures food does not linger in teeth throughout the day. Just remember to delay brushing for 30 mins after any meal to allow your saliva to neutralize some of the acids first. Brushing immediately after meals for prolonged periods can lead to erosion of your enamel.

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A common misconception with cavities is that they must always be painful. More often than not, cavities are painless until they are very large. When treatment is delayed, it runs the risk that root canal is needed, increasing treatment time and cost. Therefore it is important to keep regular appointments. We can catch cavities when they are smaller and advise improved brushing/flossing/fluoride rinses. If cavities do progress, then it is better to intervene with a small filling, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.  

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Oral Cancer

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An important part of your dental examination is to check for signs of oral cancer. It involves checking everywhere inside your mouth, not just your teeth, and including the back of your throat (say "ahh"). We will look for any unusual spots or sores in your mouth. This is why it is important to have regular appointments as it is best to catch things early. There are often signs before there are any noticeable symptoms.

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Oral cancer can develop at any age although it tends to be seen in the older population. Risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and taking immunosuppressive drugs. 

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Night Guards

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A nightguard is a type of oral appliance that is worn over the teeth during sleep. It is designed to protect the teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Nightguards are custom-made to fit the individual's bite and they work by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the pressure and impact of grinding. They can also be used to treat some cases of jaw pain and headaches caused by bruxism. Some nightguard also help to reduce snoring and mild-moderate sleep apnea as well. They are typically made of hard acrylic or soft material and are worn at night while sleeping.

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There are several reasons why someone might consider getting a nightguard:

 

• Protection against teeth grinding and jaw clenching: Bruxism can cause significant damage to the teeth over time, including tooth wear, chips, and fractures. A nightguard can protect the teeth from this damage by creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.

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• Relief from jaw pain and headaches: Bruxism can also cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles, as well as headaches. A nightguard can help to alleviate these symptoms by reducing the pressure on the jaw.

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• Prevention of sleep disorders: Nightguards can also help to reduce snoring and mild-moderate sleep apnea by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue which help to keep the airway open during sleep.

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• Improved overall sleep quality: By reducing pain and discomfort, nightguards can help to improve overall sleep quality. This can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

 

It's important to note that a nightguard is not a cure, but it can prevent further damage to your teeth, jaw and help with your sleep disorders. A consultation with your dentist is recommended to determine whether a nightguard is the right choice for you.

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Sport Mouth Guards

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If you play any sport such as hockey, basketball, or soccer; or participate in combat sport, a mouth guard is essential to prevent accidental trauma to your mouth. We can custom fit a sport mouth guard so it securely stays in your mouth and is comfortable to wear during activity. 

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It is assumed that mouth guards prevent concussions but the evidence is mixed. Mouth guards do act as shock absorbers and distribute forces so damage is mitigated. By having the teeth slightly apart while wearing a mouth guard, the jaw joint is spaced away from the temple which may prevent injury.

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Sleep Medicine

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Dental sleep medicine is a subspecialty of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), using oral appliances. These appliances, also called mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or oral positional devices (OPDs), work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Dental sleep medicine practitioners are trained to evaluate patients for sleep-related breathing disorders and to fit and adjust oral appliances as needed. They also work closely with sleep physicians to monitor treatment progress and ensure the best outcomes for patients.