Many
of our patients have already benefited from some of the exciting
new developments in dentistry, such as dental implants and
new white materials. There has also been a similar, but quieter
revolution in preventive dentistry. We now have a much better
understanding of the causes of tooth decay and gum disease
and are much better able to prevent, or limit, these harmful
processes.
We believe that the prevention of dental
disease is one of the most important achievements of our practice.
Giving the best preventative treatment, advice, and education,
and encouraging a positive attitude towards health will help
to ensure that teeth are healthy for life.
We have outlined some of the most important
factors, most of which apply as much to adults as they do
to children:
Diet
No other single factor is as important. Tooth decay simply
cannot take place without sugar. The bacteria, which are always
present in the mouth and which form dental plaque feed on
sugar to produce an acid. This acid causes decay.
Many authorities believe that a child’s taste for sugar is
developed as an infant. Dentists’ children have always had
less tooth decay; this is most probably due to a low-sugar
diet. Sweet snacks have no useful role in a balanced diet
and ideally would be eliminated - however this is often not
possible.
It is the frequency of sugar consumption
rather than the amount of sugar consumed that is most important;
every time that a sweet is eaten decay can take place for
up to an hour. Thus someone sucking a sweet every hour will
be far more at risk than someone who eats the same quantity
of sugar all in one go. It is best to eat sweets and puddings
as part of a meal. It is well known that sugar causes tooth
decay, however you may be surprised to learn that sugar has
been implicated in some forms of heart disease.
Sugar in tea or coffee and in soft drinks
can be particularly damaging, as many people will have several
such drinks a day. This is equivalent to using a sugar mouthwash!
The most popular artificial sweetener available today is Aspartamine
(Nutrasweet), e.g. Canderel. Aspartamine is a very simple
protein, which is broken down by the body in just the same
way as other proteins. Diet drinks, which contain aspartamine
are very common (e.g. Diet Coke), and are much less harmful
to the teeth. Aspartamine is also readily available for use
with tea or coffee.
Tooth Cleaning
Dental plaque is the main cause of gum disease and is also
partially responsible for tooth decay. If plaque has been
completely removed from around teeth gum disease will be prevented.
In fact, some forms of gum disease will be entirely eliminated
by proper cleaning.
Some people are more susceptible to gum disease
than others, and will need more help from our hygienist, or
may require deep cleaning by the dentist of inaccessible deposits
of disease-causing plaque. It should be noted that gum disease
is the main reason for tooth loss in adults - that is why
we place so much emphasis on keeping your teeth plaque-free
by regular and thorough tooth brushing, using dental floss,
and regular hygienist appointments. There are now a variety
of different procedures available, which can regenerate bone
around teeth badly affected by gum disease, (guided tissue
regeneration), so it is never too late to start giving your
teeth the attention that they deserve.
We can advise you on which of the vast number
of different toothbrushes and other cleaning aids to use for
cleaning difficult areas of the mouth such as under bridges.
Fluoride
Teeth that have developed in a child who has been
exposed to ideal levels of fluoride are smoother, harder,
and less vulnerable to decay, but fluoride can be beneficial
at any age. Young children and babies tend to swallow small
amounts of fluoride when they brush their teeth with a fluoride
containing toothpaste. In addition water in some parts of
London, and some areas of England contains enough fluoride
to completely satisfy the ideal requirements. The precise
fluoride content of your water supply can be established by
phoning your local water authority. When the local water supply
is deficient in fluoride, supplements may be given, either
as pleasant tasting tablets or drops. It is important that
fluoride supplements should only be used in consultation with
us, to ensure that an optimal dose is given.
The recent controversy over the quality of our water supply
has meant that many of our patients have installed water filters,
and drink more mineral water than ever before. Some water
filters will remove fluoride; most bottles of mineral water
will display their mineral content. People living in hot countries
usually drink very much more water, and thus should make themselves
fully aware of the fluoride content of their water.
So as to maximize protection we recommend
a twice-yearly fluoride treatment for young children, which
further strengthen the surface of their teeth. A home fluoride
treatment is available for adults with a high decay level.
Regular Examination
We can help to ensure that teeth are cleaned effectively,
and that difficult areas are reached. As discussed above,
plaque is one of the main causes of decay and gum disease.
By seeing a hygienist on a regular basis, as well as good
home care, gum disease and tooth decay may be entirely prevented.
By identifying early signs of decay it is
now sometimes possible to reverse the process, and avoid having
to fill the tooth. Early diagnosis of decay will allow us
to treat a tooth with a smaller restoration than may be necessary
later on. Susceptible areas, such as the tiny fissures on
tooth surfaces that allow plaque to accumulate, can be sealed
with plastic materials. These “fissure sealants” are especially
useful for children. A similar procedure using the latest
adhesive white fillings will allow us to treat small cavities
in adults.
It is important to remember that a dental
examination is not confined to the teeth, but includes examination
of the face, neck, jaw-joint and all the oral tissues.
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