Preventative Dentistry in Meadowbank & Ryde, West Ryde
Prevention Is the Best Cure
Preventive dentistry is the practice of scheduling regular checkups, and addressing dental issues, before they become problems. Two major causes of tooth loss are dental decay and gum disease. Regular checkups are important to diagnose and treat issues early, before they progress, and require more invasive treatment.
On your initial appointment, we do a full oral health assessment, including oral cancer screening, gum health, TMJ, and of course your teeth. X-rays are an important tool to determine if there’s any underlying decay, assess tooth and bone structure, and any existing restorations, such as fillings.
Maintaining Good Oral Health
Here are some ways to maintain your oral health:
- Brush twice daily, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily. Floss reaches the surface your toothbrush can’t. Without flossing, you miss about 40% of the tooth surface.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after eating, to help wash away any residue on the teeth.
- Avoid or limit consuming high sugar foods/drinks.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) and Occlusal Splint
Nocturnal bruxism (night teeth grinding) or clenching your teeth are common dental problems that occur during sleep. Some common symptoms of nocturnal bruxism are frequent headaches, earaches, TMJ, facial pain, tooth pain, cracked teeth, fractured enamel, and extreme sensitivity.
At Meadowbank Family Dental, Dr Park (Dentist) offers the most advanced custom-fitted mouth guard, ASTRON Occlusal Splint. It is designed to reduce pain and prevent possible joint complications in the jaw.
Sport injuries may result in a loss of one or more teeth, broken or chipped teeth, jaw fracture, or injuries to the soft tissue of the mouth. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), about one-third of traumatic injuries to teeth are sports-related. If you play contact sports, mouth guards are essential.
A mouth guard is a thick sponge shield, custom-made to fit over your teeth and jawbone. The condition of the mouth guard should be checked regularly for damage. They need to be inspected by a dentist and replaced if required. Children’s mouth guards should be replaced every 12-18 months, as the child grows and gets new teeth.
Time for A Checkup?
If you or your family need preventative dental work, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr Park (Dentist). We’re here to serve you.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.