{"id":518,"date":"2013-06-17T12:17:56","date_gmt":"2013-06-17T12:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondcourtdental.co.uk\/?page_id=518"},"modified":"2019-04-30T10:27:14","modified_gmt":"2019-04-30T10:27:14","slug":"prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondcourtdental.co.uk\/patient-information\/prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

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To aid our approach to preventative dentistry we have a full-time dental hygienist and dental health educator who runs our preventative dental unit where young children are taught the importance of oral hygiene and diet.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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We have produced a number of guides for patients packed with information and 3d animations.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Brushing<\/span><\/h4>
<\/p>\n
Why is brushing important?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn\u2019t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n

How can plaque cause decay?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.<\/p>\n

How can plaque cause gum disease?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Plaque can harden into something called calculus (“tartar”). As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected.<\/p>\n

If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.<\/p>\n

How can I prevent gum disease?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n

It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist. It is important to keep up your regular appointments so<\/p>\n

that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.<\/p>\n

How do I know if I have gum disease?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all. It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.<\/p>\n

Which type of toothbrush should I use?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you. However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or \u2018filaments\u2019. The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult. Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.<\/p>\n

You can now get more specialised toothbrushes. For instance, people with
\nsensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes. There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people
\nwith crooked or irregular teeth. Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson\u2019s disease or a physical disability. There are now toothbrushes, which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.<\/p>\n

How often should I change my toothbrush?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the filaments become worn. When filaments become splayed, they do not clean properly.<\/p>\n

How should I brush?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.
\nHere is one method of removing plaque:<\/p>\n