Worried about gum disease? Visit our dentists in West Byfleet for preventative dental care
Prevention is better than cure; there is nowhere this statement applies more than in dentistry.
With people eating foods with higher levels of sugar, drinking alcohol and indulging in other lifestyle choices like smoking, it is more important than ever that people regularly visit their dentists for preventative dental treatments.
Preventative dentistry is not just about attending biannual check-ups, although that is one important aspect of it. There are many different preventative treatments that our dentists in West Byfleet can provide to our patients, that prevent far more than cavities and extractions.
What is preventative dentistry?
The meaning is in the title. Preventive dentistry is used to prevent further problems occurring with your teeth, gums and overall oral health.
When you brush, floss and rinse your mouth, you are performing preventative treatment against cavities and gum disease. In a dental surgery, there are more options for preventative care, using different techniques, specialists and equipment to keep your mouth in tip top shape.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene treatments are performed by our specially trained hygienist dentists in West Byfleet, who will be able to remove any hard plaque or tartar that may have accumulated on your teeth.
At your appointment with our hygienists, they will assess your gums and teeth and professionally clean them with specialist pastes, gels and equipment. This is known as a scale and polish and is performed to reduce the risk of gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.
They will also advise you on ways to reduce plaque build-up and will be able to assist you with any specific hygiene needs you may have, like keeping dentures clean or maintaining dental implants.
Oral Cancer Screening
An overlooked area of dental screening is that of oral cancer detection.
In recent years, the number of reported cases of oral cancer has risen and, like all cancers, early detection is the best way to boost the chances of making a full recovery.
This screening typically involves a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, the inside of your cheeks and underneath your tongue.
Regardless of your smoking status, it is important that you are screened for oral cancer at least once a year. If you notice any unusual sores, lumps or ulcers, please book an appointment with us to see our hygienist.
Children’s Teeth
Bringing your children to see the dentists in West Byfleet from an early age can make trips easier for them in the future, so we are always happy to see children coming to our surgery for their regular check-ups.
When we meet with young children, it gives us the chance to identify potential future issues, like over or underbites or even crowding and act on them immediately.
We will be able to apply fluoride solutions to the surface of the teeth, mineralising them and preventing future decay, in addition to tooth colour matched fissure sealants if necessary.
Want to prevent future dental issues? Call us now at Byfleet Dental Practice.