Preventive dentistry is the prevention of dental issues and helps promote good dental health for you and the family for the rest of your lives. Preventive dentistry starts at home with good oral hygiene; this includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing after meals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet with a limitation on sugary foods and fizzy drinks. Alongside a good dental hygiene routine, it is very important that you visit our dentist in Rickmansworth here at Berry Lane Dental at least once every six months with your family and more often if you are prone to dental issues.
Oral cancer screening
Regular check-ups here at Berry Lane Dental will allow our dentist in Rickmansworth to monitor your dental hygiene and advise you of any areas of concern. Our dentist in Rickmansworth will carry out a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums each time you visit us. This examination will include a crucial oral cancer screening test during which our dentist will look for any irregularities, such as lumps or lesions in your mouth that may be potentially cancerous. Early detection of oral cancer is essential for successful treatment and recovery.
Hygiene appointments
When you visit our clinic, we also recommend that you undergo a professional scale-and-polish with our hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Plaque and tartar are the leading causes of tooth decay, gum disease and irreversible damage to the teeth; by keeping your teeth free of plaque and tartar, you can prevent such issues. Whenever you visit us, we will look out for any signs of decay or disease. Early detection of these issues can allow for effective treatment and prevent the development of further complications in the future.
Our dentist will perform an x-ray or an intra-oral scan if your mouth must be examined further; the results can be kept in your records for future reference.
Preventing decay and damage
If you visit us regularly, we can perform fluoride applications every six months; this is a highly recommended treatment by the NHS. Fluoride applications work by strengthening the enamel and preventing tooth decay. We also do fissure sealing, which is a process where the deep grooves in the teeth are sealed using a non-invasive procedure to minimise the risk of tooth decay. Fissure sealing is particularly important for molar teeth as they may have deep grooves and are harder to clean.
To prevent other dental issues and damage to your teeth, our dentist can prescribe mouthguards (or night guards). Mouthguards can be used for children who grind their teeth in their sleep or for adults who are involved in sports or other activities and need to prevent injury to their teeth.
Speak to us at Berry Lane Dental today and book an appointment for yourself and your family. Let us help you look after your teeth and gums regularly so that you can enjoy a happy and healthy mouth for the rest of your life. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!