The majority of modern dentists will agree that prevention is better than cure. In fact, preventive dentistry is now widely recognised and promoted within the industry.

You really can make a difference to the long-term health of your teeth and gums by adopting a sensible approach now. Just a few small changes could make a significant difference to the condition of your mouth in the future.

It’s really important to attend regular check-ups with the dentist and hygienist once or twice a year. These appointments will allow them to deal with any issues before they progress and more costly and lengthy treatment is required. Cavities can be spotted before they become too deep and painful, the development of gum disease can be halted and early signs of mouth cancer can be detected early for the best chances of treatment.

Our recommendations to help keep teeth healthy in the long-term:

Visit your dentist once or twice every year so they can check for:

• Cavities and decay in the teeth
• Any problems or changes in the gums
• Changes in other parts of the mouth that could indicate cancer

Visit the hygienist one or twice a year for:

• A scale and polish to remove any tarter build-up.
• Checks for gum disease
• Tips and advice on how to look after your teeth and deal with any problem areas.

Maintain good oral hygiene

• Brush teeth twice a day
• Use interdental devices, floss and mouthwash
• For sensitive teeth try sensitive toothpastes
• Stop smoking as this can cause problems with the teeth and gums
• Brush your teeth after eating if possible
• If you can’t brush, chew sugar free gum or ‘rinse out’ your mouth with water

Be aware of the importance of your diet

• Avoid too many sugary items such as sweet and chocolates
• Reduce your intake of acidic foods such as wine, citrus fruits ad fizzy drinks.
• Be careful with hard and particularly chewy foods

Educate children early about the importance of teeth

• Make brushing a regular part of your child’s day and encourage brushing twice a day.
• Supervise until they are old enough to brush alone.
• Be careful with sugary drinks and sweets.
• Encourage the consumption of foods high in calcium such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Register your child with a dentist from birth.
• Attend regular yearly check-ups from around 6 months.
• Speak to your dentist or health visitor for further advice.

Fissure Sealants

Tooth fissures are very common. These deep pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth (usually on the back molars).

As tooth fissures are very narrow, they can be easily missed when cleaning your teeth, even with regular brushing. Over time, bacteria may enter these tooth fissures, which can lead to cavities.

Fissure sealants offer an effective way to help protect vulnerable young teeth by covering the narrow grooves. They consist of a clear, plastic material which seals the tooth and stops bacteria from entering. Sealants can also be applied to any permanent adult teeth which are fully matured but in danger of developing decay.

Sealants can be applied to any tooth with fissures, provided the surface is sound and not filled.

Applying a fissure sealant

Fissure sealants can be applied by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Application is quick and comfortable with no need for an anaesthetic. We will prepare your tooth or teeth by cleaning it before the sealant is applied. Following application the sealant will be hardened under a special UV light- forming a protective coating over the tooth.

When is the best time to apply a fissure sealant?

A fissure sealant can be applied at any time to a baby tooth to help protect it.

In adult teeth, a fissure sealant should be applied as early as possible after the teeth have matured for the best chance of success but your Dentist must make sure that the tooth enamel is fully matured before applying any sealant.

Looking after a fissure sealant

Just like a standard filling, a fissure sealant can last for many years- provided it is looked after and checked regularly. Regular dental appointments are important to that we can pick up on any problems.

It is possible to easily repair or replace a sealant if required.