Preventive dental
and the latest techniques
All quality dental treatment is founded on a solid base of focused, individualised preventive programmes to manage dental decay, gum disease and cracked tooth problems.
We expect that all of our patients will have the opportunity to keep their teeth for life and, to this end, our dentists and dental hygienists spend many hours each year updating their knowledge in preventive techniques which will help to ensure the long term outcomes for your teeth.
Good preventive dentistry and oral health care can help prevent cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Battery Point Dental is committed to providing preventive dentistry and oral health solutions for you and your family. Great oral health is possible when you have regular examination along with adopting good everyday oral hygiene techniques.
Our dentists and hygienists will assess your oral health, conduct scaling and polishing of your teeth, and will advise you on how to best keep your teeth healthy and prevent diseases. We endeavor to help you develop a strong and effective oral hygiene routine that will help you protect your teeth for life.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the world's most common health problems. It is especially common in children, teenagers and adults but all age groups can develop tooth decay including infants.
If tooth decay isn't treated it will spread, affecting deeper layers of your teeth. It can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits, and good brushing and flossing habits go a long way toward preventing tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects most people at some time during their life. It is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth. One of the common signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. Getting treatment for dental problems early and can help save teeth that are at risk from gum disease and other conditions. Careful and regular cleaning of your teeth and gums each day can help prevent gum disease.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
-
Gingivitis
-
Periodontitis
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when bacteria and dental plaque build up on teeth, particularly where the gums join the tooth. This bacteria and plaque causes inflammation of the gums. The signs of gingivitis are bleeding, redness and swelling of the gum. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. In periodontitis, the part of the gum that surrounds the teeth is weakened and pulls away from the teeth. Spaces form between the tooth and the gum and are called ‘periodontal pockets.’ Bacteria and their products become trapped in these pockets causing further redness and swelling. Signs of periodontitis include bleeding, swelling and receding gums together with bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth and loose teeth.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A cracked tooth can bring with it a variety of different symptoms; they are most often caused by daily wear and tear, trauma or bruxism (tooth grinding).
Early diagnosis and preventive treatment such as a restoration, crown or night guard may be necessary to prevent further propagation or development of a cracked tooth.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the clenching and grinding of the teeth together throughout the day or particularly at night time. Bruxism can cause damage to teeth including chips and cracks as well as muscle and joint discomfort throughout the jaw. Bruxism is most commonly caused by stress and sleep disorders.
A Night Guard which is a fitted hard plastic mouth guard worn at night time, is often recommended in order to prevent further damage for people who clench and grind their teeth.