Preventative Dentistry
At Oakmount Dental Care, preventative dentistry is at the heart of everything that we do. More time spent on hygiene visits and education will mean less time having teeth filled or removed and less cost to you, the patient. Something we're sure that you will welcome!
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Our hygienist Joanne Lewis will be able to advise you on how you can best look after your oral health.
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Better oral health is increasingly recognised as important to the body as a whole and not just the mouth. So, what are our 8 top tips to help you enjoy better oral health?
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Stop smoking. As well as the well known problems in relation to lung cancer and heart disease, smoking is a major contributory factor in oral cancer. It can also cause gum inflammation and leads to gum recession which increases plaque build-up.
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Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is another contributory factor to oral cancer.
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Avoid fizzy drinks and sugary snacks. These lead to a massive increase in plaque which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
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Try and restrict food intake to mealtimes. Oral bacteria benefit from the constant nourishment that snacking can provide. If you must snack, then try and choose foods like fresh fruit or cheese which are better for your teeth.
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Eat a well balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. This will lead to healthier gums and therefore healthier teeth.
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Brush your teeth carefully twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. (Children under 7 should only use a pea sized amount of a low fluoride toothpaste).
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Floss everyday. Ask us how to if you are not sure - don't worry - a lot of people don't know how to do it properly until they are shown!
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Visit Oakmount Dental Care regularly for hygiene appointments.
Sensitive Teeth
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Do you feel a shooting pain in your teeth when eating or drinking something hot? Does the thought of biting into an ice cream or a cold, hard apple make you wince? Sensitive teeth can be a burden for many people and can be caused by a variety of factors. It is always important to seek advice from a dental professional so that the source of the problem can be identified and treated.
There are several causes of sensitivity:
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Temporary pain can be experienced after tooth whitening procedures and is treated with over the counter painkillers.
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Dental erosion, or the loss of tooth enamel, can also cause sensitivity. Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth that protects the sensitive dentine underneath. If enamel is worn away or eroded, this dentine is exposed which can lead to pain and sensitivity, which can be worsened with extreme temperatures.
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Erosion can be caused by your diet (frequent consumption of high sugar or high acid food or drink), tooth brushing habits (brushing too hard), tooth grinding, certain medical conditions and eating disorders.
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For top tips on protecting your enamel and for effective treatment of tooth sensitivity, come to the practice for a check-up and we will create an individualised care plan for you.
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Life Benefits
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Being able to consume hot and cold drinks and food.
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Pain-free mouth.
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Reduced risk of further tooth wear.
Children's Dentistry
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As dental professionals we believe in preventive dental care and encourage our patients to bring their children to the practice from an early age. Regular check-ups from a young age will ensure children don’t suffer from untreated dental decay with devastating effects to their growing dentition.
There are a number of preventive treatments that our team can provide for children:
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Fluoride applications are a safe and effective way to safeguard your child’s growing teeth from developing decay. The fluoride is painted onto the surface of the teeth, helping to mineralise them.
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Tooth-coloured fissure sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.
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Studies have shown that the younger your child is when attending their first dental appointment, even if just for a check-up, the more likely they are to have a positive experience and to grow up unafraid of the dentist. Our team will take special care of your child to make them feel safe and cared for.
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Treating a child from a young age also allows the dentist to spot early signs of underbites, cross bites or overbites developing. As with most dental problems, the sooner you can start to treat it, the quicker it can be resolved.
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Prevention is always better than cure, so call the practice today to make an appointment for your child.
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Life Benefits
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Healthy teeth and gums for life.
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Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and reduced need for fillings.
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No fears or phobias of the dentist.
Teeth Clenching
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A common problem, bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth) is thought to affect over 80% of the population at some stage in their life.
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Left untreated, it can cause numerous side effects for the sufferer, including: headaches, migraines, stiff neck and jaw, earache, poor sleep quality, and tooth wear. Apart from the damage to the teeth, there is nothing about the above that would suggest that bruxism is the cause. This is often the source of the problem, as too many sufferers are unaware of the true reason for their symptoms-seeking ineffective treatments from their GP instead.
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There are plenty of treatments available for those suffering with bruxism - the most common of which is the occlusal splint. Occlusal splints function as a separation between the two arches of the teeth, preventing contact and inhibiting the ability to clench or grind. The SCi splint does just this and is FDA-approved for the treatment of headaches and medically diagnosed migraines.
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Made of a durable plastic, the SCi is designed to sit over your lower two front teeth, acting as a barrier for your upper arch. They are custom-made to your specifications and can even be fitted during your appointment.
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Dr Sarah Mussell is trained to supply SCi occlusal splints. Book a consultation today to find out more information.