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Preventive
Dentistry
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What
gets checked at a check up?
The
dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any visible
problems. She may also take x-rays to make sure there aren’t
any hidden problems. The dentist may also professionally
clean your teeth to remove hardened plaque (tarter) from
above and below the gum line, as well as polish them to
remove hardened plaque and stains from the tooth surface.
You should plan on seeing the dentist twice a year for checkups.
Remember prevention is very important.
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Fissure Sealants
Fissure
sealants are a very effective way of preventing childhood
tooth decay.
The sealant is a plastic material that fills in the grooves
on the chewing surface of the teeth where cavities often first
develop.
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Patient Education
There’s
nothing like the fresh, clean feeling in your mouth after
you’ve brushed and flossed your teeth, but did you know
most people brush their teeth incorrectly causing them more
harm than good? We can teach you the correct way to brush
your teeth and how good oral hygiene not only makes our teeth
look great but how it plays an important role in our overall
health and well-being.
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Night Guards
Bruxism
is excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth that is not
part of normal chewing movements. It can lead to excessive
wear on the teeth and may cause permanent damage to the teeth
and the jaw joints.
In some adults and children, clenching and grinding may occur
during the day or at night. During sleep, they have no conscious
control over this excessive clenching and grinding. An occlusal
splint (also called a night guard) is an option for someone
with mild to severe grinding behaviour. Worn at night, the
splint is made from moulded hard plastic that fits over the
upper or lower teeth. It prevents further wear of the tooth
surfaces.
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Mouth Guards
After
tooth decay and gum disease, accidental injury to teeth is
the most common dental problem of children and teenagers.
Mouthguards should be worn during all highly active or contact
sports. Ready made mouthguards are available at sporting goods
stores but the most effective mouthguards are custom made
by our dentist.
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Fluoride
Fluoride
is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps
prevent cavities from forming. Both adults and children benefit
from fluoride. Brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride
can help in strengthening enamel and preventing cavities on
a daily basis. In office fluoride treatments may also be advised.
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Cleaning
The
reason we brush and floss is to remove plaque, a colourless,
sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque
is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
The dentist can get deep down into the gums to ensue a very
thorough clean that would not be possible with every day brushing.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is simple if you get into
the habit of cleaning them properly every day and visiting
your dentist regularly.
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