PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
What Is Preventative Dentistry?
Preventative dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on helping patients to prevent dental problems before they occur. This can be done through a variety of methods, including education, regular dental check-ups, and good oral hygiene habits. It is the practice of taking steps to prevent oral health problems that include regular teeth cleanings, using fluoride toothpaste and eating a healthy diet.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Preventative dentistry is of great importance as it helps to prevent the onset and/or progression of oral diseases and other problems related to oral health. It also helps maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, reducing the need for more costly and complex treatments in the future.
Preventative dentistry is important not only for oral health but also for overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. Regular dentist visits can help reduce the risk of these conditions by catching any problems in the early stages and treating them.
Preventative dentistry includes regular visits to the dentist for checkups, cleanings, and X–rays, as well as lifestyle choices such as brushing and flossing, eating healthy foods, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks. Regular visits to the dentist help to catch any problems in the early stages, which can be treated before they become more serious and costly. Cleanings help to remove plaque and tartar build–up, which can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. X–rays can detect any underlying problems such as tooth decay or infections that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Preventive Dental Care Services
Treatment of Gingivitis
Gingivitis Signs & Symptoms:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purple gums
- Shiny appearance of the gums
- Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
- Bleeding gums or bleeding after brushing and/or flossing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Sensitive teeth with no apparent cause
- Regular oral hygiene including daily brushing and flossing
Diet change - Regular scaling/root planning by your dental hygienist
Gingivitis Treatment:
- Plaque removal and reduction of oral bacteria is the focus
- Adequate oral hygiene at home
- Periodic dental cleanings (scaling/root planing)
- Mouth rinses
Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene. However, in the absence of treatment, gingivitis gums can progress to periodontitis (irreversible gum disease).
Treatment of Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that irreversibly destroys the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.
Periodontitis Signs & Symptoms:
In the early stages, periodontitis has very few symptoms, and in many individuals, the disease has progressed significantly before they seek treatment. Patients should realize gingival inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless.
Periodontitis Symptoms may include:
- Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food
- Recurrent Gum swelling
- Halitosis, or bad breath, and a persistent metallic/metal taste in the mouth
- Gingival recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth.
- Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums (pockets are sites where the tooth’s attachment has been gradually destroyed)
- Loose teeth (occurs in the later stages of the disease)
Periodontitis Causes/Modifying Factors:
- Poor/ineffective oral hygiene (primary cause)
- Gingivitis
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Genetics
Periodontitis Prevention:
- Meticulous daily oral hygiene including brushing and flossing
- Antiseptic mouthwashes
- Regular dental exams (including taking probing depths around each tooth)
- Control of modifying conditions (ie. Diabetes, smoking)
Periodontitis Management/Treatment:
- Excellent Oral hygiene (minimum twice daily brushing and daily flossing)
- Initial scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) by your hygienist
- Dental treatment to adjust your bite, fix old/failing fillings etc.
- Antiseptic mouth rinses
- Possible surgical treatment (if bone loss cannot be stopped by other methods)
- Maintenance cleanings (scaling/root planning) every 3 months after initial successful therapy has been completed
Plastic coatings that are painted on to the grooves of the back teeth. The dental fissure sealants forms protective layer that keeps food and bacteria from getting stuck in the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay. Usually placed in children as a preventative measure while they gain dexterity and develop better brushing habits.
An acrylic mouthguard that protects the teeth/joints from the strong vertical forces produced by grinding (bruxism). A night guard forces the relaxation of the muscles and prevents damage to the oral cavity.
sport Guards/Mouthguards
Plastic coverings are worn over teeth that are used to protect teeth from injury during sports or other activities. Our team at Westgate Dental Centre will take a simple impression and have a custom mouthguard ready for you the next day, on your Maple Ridge dental office visit. Mouthguards are custom-fitted, comfortable and available in a wide array of colours.
At Westgate Dental Centre, our dentists offer a wide range of preventive dentistry services to help patients maintain their oral health.
Some of our services include:
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Dental exams
- X–rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- Oral cancer screenings
If you are looking for preventive dentistry services in Maple Ridge and surrounding areas, call Westgate Dental Centre at 604-460-0206 to schedule an appointment.
