Preventative

Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your child’s teeth as they grow. They are a plastic coating that is applied to the biting surface of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that prevents bacteria and food getting into the tiny cracks and helps prevent decay.

Fluoride occurs naturally in various levels within all water sources and works along with daily dental hygiene and regular checkups to prevent cavities. In some areas of the country fluoride levels in the water supply are modified to give optimum dental benefit and Warwickshire is one such area. Ideal levels of fluoride are one part fluoride per million parts of water. You can find out how much fluoride is in your water supply on the Severn Trent Water website by entering your postcode in the following link.

Exposure to fluoride makes the tooth structure stronger. Some patients will benefit from additional fluoride treatment designed to strengthen tooth enamel and make it less likely to decay. Use of a fluoride treatment is considered most crucial for children and adolescents, whose teeth are still developing. People who develop cavities more often than is considered normal may also benefit from a regularly administered fluoride treatment. Your dentist will advise you if they think you would benefit from additional fluoride. This may be done as an in surgery treatment through the application of fluoride directly to the teeth in the form of a gel or recommended for use at home in the form of a special mouthwash or toothpaste.

Our Hygienists are a key part of the team and fulfil a very important role supporting the dentist in preventative dentistry helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

We offer a range of hygiene treatments which are designed to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, prevent oral diseases and preserve your beautiful smile.

Oral Health advice will be tailored to your needs. You will be shown how to maintain good habits of dental care, offering guidance on effective brushing, flossing and the use of inter-dental brushes. Your visit will also include, if necessary, scaling of your teeth to remove plaque and tartar which if left untreated can lead to gum disease and also a polish to remove staining. For patients with more severe gum disease more complex treatments are available.

If you have problems with sensitivity or are concerned about bad breath, the hygienist can discuss possible causes.

In the UK gum disease is now one of the commonest causes of tooth loss in adults, in the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), the gum is usually red and swollen and often bleed during tooth brushing, as the disease progresses (periodontal disease) gums shrink and recede, teeth may loosen as bone underneath is destroyed, eventually some teeth may fall out or may have to be removed by the dentist.

If your gums bleed on brushing, sometimes look red and inflamed or you have noticed your breath has started to smell you have the first symptoms of gum disease and should make an appointment to see a hygienist.