23 New Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2PH
t: +44 (0) 1722 333 733
f: +44 (0) 1722 330 100
e: reception@private-treatment-centre.co.uk
preventive dentistry
For Adults
The essence of preventive dentistry is that the need for repeated physical work on teeth should be minimised, while healthy supporting gums and bone require regular review, maintenance and professional support from our dental team. Preventive dentistry constitutes the backbone of our approach, and regular professional advice from our team of Dental Hygienists will ensure healthy gums and bone. Nutrition, home care and use of modern pharmaceuticals all play an important role.
For Children
Our aim is to help your children reach maturity with nature's real beauty - a full complement of teeth with no fillings, and a smile so good that only nature could have intended it! We wholeheartedly make this long term commitment, and together we can motivate your children to take mature responsibility for their own dental health.
The truth about teeth
Teeth vary in size, shape and location within the jaws. These differences allow your teeth to perform three basic functions. Firstly, teeth help us to chew and digest food. Secondly, they enable us to pronounce different sounds clearly. Finally, teeth help give the face its shape and form. They are also crucial in communicating with others, and a healthy smile can be a great asset - nothing disarms someone as much as a beautiful smile!
It therefore makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible.
Oral Health
Good oral health is easy to maintain. A simple routine of brushing and cleaning between the teeth, good eating habits and regular visits to your dental team can prevent most dental problems.
Although most people brush regularly, many do not clean between their teeth. Some people neglect their dental check-ups. Either of these, or a combination, can result in dental problems which may need to be remedied by dental professionals.
What is plaque, and why is it a problem?
Daily brushing and cleaning between teeth are important to your dental health because they remove plaque.
Plaque is a thin, difficult to see, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with the teeth. After many such attacks, and without proper care, the tooth enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.
If plaque is not removed with daily brushing, it will eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. As tartar forms near the gumline, gums can become irritated and inflamed . They can become swollen and may bleed occasionally , often whilst brushing. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. If this gum disease is not treated properly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, and sound teeth may be needlessly lost .
It may surprise (and shock) you to learn that 77% of adults aged between 16-24 and 87% of adults over 55 have some degree of gum disease. There are no symptoms until it is too late - but it is never too early to prevent against gum disease . Our Dental Hygiene Team can remove tartar from your teeth, treat gum disease that has already appeared our team can also advise you on the most appropriate method of caring for your teeth. However, the ultimate responsibility for the well-being of your mouth does rest with you.
Good oral hygiene requires the use of appropriate dental care products. As every mouth is unique, your requirements will need to be tailored specifically to your needs. Both Dr Lister and his Dental Hygiene Team have an extensive knowledge of the products available on the market today, and will be able to give recommendations or opinions. However, to give you an idea of what to look for when purchasing dental products, we would advise you to bear the following points in mind.
Always look for products bearing a recognised accreditation logo on the packet. Before accreditation is awarded, the claims by the manufacturer must be scientifically proven to the satisfaction of a panel of acknowledged experts. Claims made on the labels of products bearing an accreditation logo must be accurate in what they say and what they imply.
When choosing a toothpaste or gel, look for a product containing fluoride. Fluoride helps reduce tooth decay in adults and children. If you have sensitive teeth, one of our team may recommend a special toothpaste, to help alleviate the symptoms.
Electric toothbrushes can be as effective as manual brushes . Persons with physical difficulties may find an electric toothbrush easier to use, and children may be more inclined to brush because of the novelty of an electric toothbrush.
Oral irrigating devices use a stream of water to remove food particles from around the teeth. These devices can be useful for persons wearing orthodontic appliances or fixed bridges. Oral irrigators do not, however, remove plaque, and so are intended to enhance regular brushing and flossing, not replace.
A fluoride mouth rinse can help prevent tooth decay. Our team may recommend an antibacterial mouth rinse to help control plaque and reduce gingivitis , or gum disease. Most people use mouthwashes to freshen breath. If you find yourself using a mouthwash constantly, in an attempt to mask an unpleasant mouth odour, it may be time to seek professional help. Bad breath can be a sign of poor general health as well as unhealthy teeth and gums.