Preventative Care

The aim of Preventative Care is to keep your teeth for life. It helps you avoid tooth decay and gum disease, rather than waiting for problems to occur. This will include regular visits to your dentist, dietary advice, tooth brushing, use of interdental brushes/floss and fissure sealants where appropriate.

Why Brush?

Brushing your teeth after meals and between-meal snacks not only gets rid of food particles, it removes plaque. Plaque is made up of bacteria that produce acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Using a fluoride toothpaste is also important because the fluoride reduces bacteria levels, as well as remineralizes tooth surfaces, making them stronger.

Why Floss?

To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, plaque must be thoroughly removed from all tooth surfaces. Unfortunately, your brush can’t reach effectively between your teeth and under the gum line. Because tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it is as important to floss on a daily basis as it is to brush.

There are a variety of products available to help support your oral health. Mouth rinses, gels and toothpastes with fluoride can be used to help prevent decay. Some mouthwashes and toothpastes contain ingredients with antibacterial properties and can help prevent or control gingivitis.