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| Treatments
- Preventative |
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Hygenist
The hygienist’s main role is to professionally
clean the teeth for the patient. This is usually called
scaling and polishing. However, perhaps their most important
role is showing the patient the best way to keep the
teeth free of plaque. The hygienist will work with your
dentist to provide care tailored to your needs. |
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Early
Gum Diesease Screening
Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your
routine examination. Gum disease describes swelling, soreness
or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There
are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal
disease.
What is gum
disease?
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection
of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main
forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What
is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when
the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen.
Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during
cleaning. |
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What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can
turn into periodontal disease. There are a number
of types of periodontal disease and they all affect
the tissues supporting the teeth.
As
the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the
teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose.
If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually
fall out.
What
is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is
a film of bacteria which forms on the surface
of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria
in plaque are completely harmless, but |
there
are some that have been shown to be the main cause
of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease,
you need to make sure you remove all the plaque
from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing
and flossing. |
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What
happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on
the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing.
However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and
this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses,
and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number
of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost.
If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment
can become more difficult.
How
do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the
rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may
also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste
in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
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Mouth
Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in
any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and
throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths
per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer
or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%,
despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year
in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit
your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems
or are not sure. Six-monthly dental checkups allow early
detection! |
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Mouth
Cancer Foundation
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity
that raises awareness of mouth cancers and proviedes
information and support to patients, carers and
health professionals. |
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Giving
Up Smoking
It's not easy... So that's
why this web site is here. Giving up smoking requires
preparation, determination, and support. This
site is here to help you with each of these. If
you're thinking about giving up, have a look-in. |
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Bad
Breath
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many
different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused
by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat
your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic
and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one
of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain
illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits
of food that get caught between the teeth and on the
tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant
smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important
to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The
bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum
disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly
this will not only help prevent bad breath but will
also let the dentist look for and treat these problems. |
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Early Decay Detection and X-Rays
Decay
may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t
hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification
and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay
at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage.
When cavities are small, they are much easier and less
expensive to treat.
Early
tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs.
Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist
will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any
decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the
roots, or any bone loss around the tooth. |
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Mouth
Guards
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which
fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them
and protecting them from damage.
It
is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard
whenever you play sport that involves physical contact
or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey and
football – which can cause broken and damaged
teeth; and American football, boxing and rugby –
which can all cause broken or dislocated jaws. A mouthguard
will help protect against these events.
If
you take part in any of these contact sports please
ask us about our range of custom made mouth guards.
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Tel:
020 7252 1628 info@surreydocksdental.co.uk
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