Preventative Treatment


	Preventative Care
	*"healthy teeth for life"*


	As we get older, we become more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. Recent research has indicated a possible link between the health of our gums and heart disease.

	Prevention is the guiding principle of all modern dental care. With regular maintenance visits to our hygienist plus appropriate home care you can prevent most dental disease. We at Wedmore Dental Practice are very keen on helping you take positive steps to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, rather than waiting for problems to occur.

	Through modern preventative care, such as a simple scale and polish it is possible to sometimes reverse the early effects of tooth decay. Regular examinations will allow any problems in your mouth to be identified at the earliest stage possible. Many dental problems now can be treated PREVENTATIVELY and without the need for injections or fillings if caught early enough.

	We believe that you are never too young (or too old) to benefit from excellent dental care. We also offer preventative care to children too. This might be in the form of oral health advice from one of our qualified Oral Health Educators or by a very simple treatment known as fissure sealants, which protects the teeth from decay.


			Why Do I Need to See the Hygienist?
			The first steps to a brighter smile is the removal of staining from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. It is impossible to remove calculus (tartar) with just a conventional toothbrush. Professional removal of calculus and plaque from around your teeth will help prevent gum disease, keeping your mouth in a healthy condition.

			What is Plaque?
			Plaque is the name given to the bacteria which creates a film on your teeth. Plaque causes dental caries (decay) and periodontal disease . Plaques is soft and colourless and can only be seen once it has formed a thick film on the teeth. Calculus (tartar) is formed when substances in the mouth make the plaque hard. This can often be seen around the upper molars and behind the lower front teeth. Calculus cannot be removed by a conventional toothbrush and will have to be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

	What is Periodontal Disease?
	Periodontal disease (also known as gingivitis or gum disease) affects the gums and structures that support your teeth. It slowly removes the bone around your teeth. If left untreated, it can progress to the point where the teeth become loose. Red, sore or bleeding gums are the usually the first signs of periodontal disease.

	We are very fortunate at Wedmore Dental Practice to have two highly qualified hygienists who are specialist in their fields of dentistry. They have undergone intensive training in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and gums then please contact us to arrange an appointment.



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	Wedmore Dental Practice, Coronation House, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4EG
	Tel: 01934 713013


	All content and images are (c) Wedmore Dental Practice