Our dentist and preventive care
Preventive care is one of the most important features of services with our dentist in Acton, although it often goes unnoticed compared to the more glamorous treatment transformations. Here at Wisdom Dental let’s look at how it can help you.
What is dental hygiene?
We all may be familiar with the daily routines and rituals of oral hygiene for brushing, flossing and maybe even the use of mouthwash, but not so many wonder what it is all for. Our mouths are a bustling ecosystem of bacteria living in a state of cooperation and competition with one another jostling for space.
If the bacterial load gets too high, it can form a biofilm for mutual protection; this build-up can be seen with the naked eye and is referred to as plaque. Plaque helps the bacteria stay on the tooth’s surfaces, often building up on the hard-to-reach crevices between teeth and if not removed regularly will ossify into a hardened calcified version known as tartar. On a microbial scale, this is like a coral reef of bacterial life, with many nooks and crannies, protecting and shielding bacteria as they continue to enlarge their numbers and fortify their place in the mouth.
From the tartar stronghold, the bacteria increase rapidly and balloon to the point where they become a risk to the mouth itself, boring into teeth and forming cavities, or invading the gum tissue making it inflamed, weak and spongy.
Interrupting this process before it begins is the daily task of oral hygiene and in some ways, is like maintaining a garden, reducing the weeds before they outgrow the beds and spill out over the lawn. Attending regular check-ups with our dentist can ensure that none of these problems becomes too much.
Healthy gums
Gums are more important than being just the frames for teeth. It is from gum tissue that teeth are maintained and provided oxygen and nutrients through the porous cementum that surrounds the roots. When gum issues start, teeth become loose and are soon lost.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth are a common issue with many of our patients, the causes vary from the early signs of gum recession exposing the roots to a thinning enamel making the tooth more vulnerable to temperature changes.
Sudden onset temperature sensitivity might suggest a cracked tooth, or a loose filling, so exploring tooth sensitivity is a high priority.
Smoking cessation support
Smoking has many negative aspects when it comes to oral health, The carcinogens in tobacco can directly enter the tissues in the mouth increasing the potential cancer risk. There are also complications from the nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke, increasing inflammation and reducing healing times.
Mouth cancer screening
We include mouth cancer screening as part of our standard check-ups with our dentist in Acton. Although not strictly part of dental hygiene, they are very useful as they allow the early catching of symptoms that may otherwise go unnoticed.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Acton to help you stay on top of your oral hygiene or resolve any persistent symptoms that may have been bothering you, please feel free to get in contact with the clinic. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to help.