Preventive Dentistry

At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, we provide preventative care for the entire family and strongly emphasise patient education. We also place a great deal of emphasis on at-home oral hygiene.

A combination of regular check-ups and professional hygiene cleanings, combined with good home oral hygiene practises, can help to inhibit cavities and gum disease.

Why is preventative dentistry important?

Preventative dentistry is the foundation for healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist provides treatments, restorations, and other safeguards to protect your oral health, so preventative dentistry is not limited to only teeth cleanings and dental check-ups.

Preventative dentistry also includes:

• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Sports mouthguards
• Nightguards for bruxism

What does a dental exam entail?

We recommend patients book in for twice-yearly dental exams so we can assess:

• Your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay and gum disease
• Your periodontal health, including your gums and bone
• Any suspicious lesions and sores for signs of oral cancer

Do I need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?

Bi-annual hygiene cleanings are a critical component of preventative oral care. Your hygienist removes the tartar from your gumline to prevent gingivitis which is the first stage of gum disease.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and can be prevented with an effective at-home oral hygiene routine and regular hygiene cleanings.

What toothbrush do you recommend?

In general, the patients with the best oral hygiene tend to use electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes can be beneficial for patients who wear braces and other oral appliances, as well as patients who struggle with dexterity.

Our recommendation is based on research conducted by the Cochrane Group, who found that using an electric toothbrush resulted in a 21% reduction in plaque after 3 months. Removal of plaque results in a healthier mouth and a lower risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease.