preventive dentistry

Nearly all dental problems are lifestyle based and avoidable. The absence of pain is unfortunately not a reliable indicator of dental health. Most dental problems dont make themselves known until they are very advanced. If you wait and things are picked up at this late stage, it usually means that fewer more complex options are available and a lot of irreversible damage has already occured. The first topic in this section  involves the comprehensive exam. I list all the items I check in this exam visit, which is designed to actively avoid the need for any dental work and catch and address any problems as early as possible.

As a dentist I am in a unique position to see you when you are healthy and well. The mouth is mirror of what is happening in the rest of the body. In recent times strong direct links between oral and general health have been established. Many illnesses can be diagnosed by a dentist as they have oral signs, eg diabetes, cancer, gastric reflux, sleep apnoea and many more. So your dental exam could potentially help far beyond the mouth!

We now know it is a two way street ie poor dental health actually causes systemic illness. This is discussed in the second section: ‘gum disease’. Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, preterm birth, kidney disease and more.

Another massive issue seen in people of all ages especially in today’s world, is grinding and clenching of the teeth. This causes a multitude of dental and general problems.  These include wear, breakage and senstivity of the teeth, migraines, disordered sleep and more.

The final topic in this preventive section is ‘fissure sealants’, a highly recommended non invasive way to avoid the need for a lot of drilling. I hope all of the information inspires you to be proactive with your dental health!