General Dentistry

What is general dentistry?

General and preventive dentistry is aimed at reducing the required dental restorations in your lifetime. The process allows you to keep your beautiful, vibrant smile while still maintaining the healthy structure of your teeth and gums.

Keeping your teeth for the rest of your life with minimal intervention is extremely important. Preventive care minimises your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease) and works toward maintaining your natural teeth for life.

Our general dentistry treatments:

Prevention is better than a cure

Mastering the art of good dental hygiene is a fundamental component of preventive dental care. Preventive care is beneficial to patients of all ages and should begin as early as possible. It is essential that all members of your family are educated in the techniques required to attain good dental health. It is never too late or too early in life to begin learning and performing good dental hygiene processes.

How to maintain good oral health

Regular dental check-ups combined with a good oral hygiene routine will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

We recommend visiting a Coastal Dental Care practice every six months for a thorough examination and clean. This can prevent the need for oral restorations and keep your teeth healthy and vibrant.

Other steps which can be taken to increase the health of your teeth and gums include:

Brush twice daily
Floss once daily
Use toothpaste with added fluoride
Use a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
Visit the dentist every 6 months
Attend periodontal check-ups
Have oral cancer screenings
Avoid tobacco products
Avoid excessive alcohol use
Limit or avoid sugary foods and soft drinks

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection. If left untreated periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss in adults. It is the most common infectious disease in the world.

Periodontal literally means “around the tooth”. Healthy gums are pale pink, smooth and firm, fitting your teeth like a turtleneck sweater fits your neck. However, if an infection develops between the teeth, the gums will begin to pull away, become red and swollen and even bleed during chewing and brushing.

Periodontal disease has often been labelled the “silent disease” because most people are unaware they have it. Many patients only become aware of their symptoms once the disease is advanced. By recognising the early signs of gum disease, you can avoid further deterioration of the gums, bone and prevent tooth loss.

Answer the questions below to get a better understanding of the health of your gums:

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth?
Are your gums red, swollen or tender?
Do you have sores in your mouth?
Are your gums receding? Have they pulled away from your teeth?
Do your teeth appear longer than they have in the past?
Are there spaces developing between your teeth?
Do you suffer from bad breath?
Do you have a constant bad taste in your mouth?
Are your teeth more sensitive than usual?
Are any of your teeth loose?
Is there any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, we recommend visiting a Coastal Dental Care practice as soon as possible. Although periodontal disease is a serious condition, its effects can be stopped, and disease progression halted with proper treatment.