Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry reduces the amount of dental treatment necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. The two major causes of tooth loss are decay & gum disease. The better you prevent minor problems from becoming big, the more chance you will have of keeping your teeth for life. Dr. Robin may recommend a course of treatment to get your mouth into good condition, & will then work out a maintenance plan to help you keep it that way.  The following are some of the tools used in preventive dentistry:

Routine Checkup: Dr Robin recommends having your teeth professionally cleaned every 4 to 6 months.

Oral Hygiene Education: Dr. Robin will show you the best methods of brushing & flossing to remove the bacterial ‘plaque’ which forms constantly on your teeth & gums. When you eat or drink something sugary, the plaque turns the sugar into acid, which will cause cavities. Plaque also causes gum inflammation if it is not regularly & thoroughly removed. The hard tartar (calculus) which builds up on the teeth begins as plaque.

Fluoride: Fluoride helps teeth resist decay. If Dr. Robin thinks added fluoride would be beneficial, she may recommend the application of topical fluoride. She may also suggest the use of fluoride rinses as extra help at home.

Sealants: The biting surfaces of teeth can be protected by the application of ‘sealants’. These make the tooth surface smoother & easier to clean, & stop decay starting in the difficult to clean areas.