Dental Care/Patient Education Dental Related Anatomy Patient Guide The information presented here is intended to provide you with information on common dental topics.  This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for a professional dental examination and consultation (no matter how much you hate going to the dentist!). Please click on the various titles to see the answers to frequently asked questions. You can click here if you like to see some animated explanations of dental treatment.

Preventive dentistry Preventive dentistry is the modern way of reducing the amount of dental treatment necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. With the joint efforts of our team, the aim is to prevent the need for treatment, and so avoid the traditional pattern of fillings and extractions. It is likely that a course of treatment will be recommended to get your mouth into excellent condition, and a plan worked out to help you keep it that way. Topics covered in this section:- Hygienists;  Gum Disease;  Fluoride; Mouthguards. Cosmetic Dentistry  Dentistry is no longer just a case of filling and extracting teeth, as it was for many years. Nowadays, many people turn to dentistry as a way of improving their appearance, much as they would use cosmetic surgery or even a new hairstyle. Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges and tooth-coloured fillings. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) become infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is often the only way to save the tooth. Missing teeth Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth on each side. A gap can also mean your 'bite' is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease. Implants Implants are a tried and tested method of securing false teeth and 90% of them last for more than 15 years. Mouth Cancer  Mouth cancer can effect any one and the incidence in the UK is on the increase. However, if it is identified early the chances of a full recovery are very high.  We also have information on various issues for patients, please click on any of the titles that appear of interest to you:- What Is The Hygienists Role In The Practice?  The hygienist's main role is to provide professional cleaning of the teeth for the patient. However, perhaps their most important role is the education of the patient in the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque. Can A Hygienist Help Prevent Dental Disease? The training of the hygienist is centred around preventing dental disease( Gum disease and tooth decay). Carefully removing the deposits that build up on the teeth (tartar) and teaching you how to prevent it reforming again, will go a long way to slowing the progress of gum disease. By discussing your diet and recommending other preventive measure your decay rate can also be reduced.  What Help Is Available For Children? Children can benefit from having their teeth polished and being shown how to brush correctly. Techniques learned as a child will be used throughout life. The hygienist can also apply fluoride gels and solutions to help prevent decay. The permanent back teeth can also benefit from having the fissures sealed. This is done by applying a special plastic coating to the biting surface soon after they erupt into the mouth.  Why Doesn't The Dentist Do This Work? Some dentists will carry out this type of work. However, many now recognise that the hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and can spend longer with you. They and our Nurses are also expert at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often the hygienist will spend a number of appointments getting the gums healthy ready for the dentist to restore the teeth with crowns and fillings.?  Will The Treatment Hurt? Scaling and polishing is usually pain-free. However, if you do experience some discomfort the hygienist can eliminate this with the use of topical anaesthetic creams or by giving you some local anaesthetic. It is important that you let the hygienist know at the time so that some pain control can be given. Is The Treatment Expensive? The cost will be discussed before any treatment begins, a written quotation will be given and any questions you may have will be answered. Hygienist services are usually covered under most dental plans   RETURN What Is Meant By Gingivitis? Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen, showing that the area is inflamed. Often this swollen gum bleeds when it is brushed during cleaning. What Is Meant By Periodontal Disease? Long-standing gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. There are a number of forms of periodontal disease and they all affect the supporting structures of the teeth. As the disease progresses the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. What Causes Gum Disease? All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria, which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been identified as the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and using interdental cleaning aids such as floss or interproximal brushes. How Will I Know I've Got Gum Disease? The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Gums may also bleed when eating, leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant. What Do I Do If I Think I've Got Gum Disease? The first thing to do is attend for a thorough review of your teeth and gums. We can measure the 'cuff' of gum around each tooth to see if there is any evidence that periodontal disease has started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you. Usually the treatment will involve giving your teeth a thorough clean. You'll also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with one of our hygienists. For new patients to the practice we have a preventive program which we carry out in order to teach you all the skills necessary for you to maintain your own mouth. RETURN

What Are The Benefits Of Fluoride?

Fluoride has been researched for over 50 years and water fluoridation has been proven to cut dental decay by 40 to 60%. Fluoride is present in many different natural sources, but can also be artificially added to our drinking water. A level of one part in a million has been shown to be most effective. Fluoride can greatly help dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. Most people get access to fluoride by using a fluoride toothpaste. Most toothpaste now contains fluoride.

Where Can I Find Fluoride?
All water contains fluoride. Your local water supplier or health authority should be able to tell you how much fluoride is in the water in your area. One part of fluoride for every million parts of water (1ppm) is considered enough.
Fluoride also comes in specially formulated gels, drops, tablets or mouthwashes which are recommended for those people who need added protection.
Fluoride is also in salt and tea, and some countries artificially add fluoride to their table salt and milk.

Should Children Have Extra Fluoride?
Many areas have enough fluoride in the water to help fight tooth decay. However, some children need to take extra fluoride in the form of supplements.
It is very important that these are only taken on our advice and instruction.

What Are The Side Effects?
'Enamel fluorosis' can occur when too much fluoride is taken. This can happen for example when the water supply is already fluoridated and supplements are taken, or when children 'eat' toothpaste. Campaigners against fluoridation claim that an overdose of fluoride can sometimes cause 'brittle bone' disease and digestive disorders, but these suggestions have not been scientifically proven.

What Is Fluorosis?
Enamel fluorosis is a result of too much fluoride, absorbed while the enamel of the teeth is forming. Severe fluorosis may lead to the enamel being pitted and discoloured. Although this can occasionally make the teeth look unsightly, they will be stronger and less likely to get decay.
Mild fluorosis can sometimes result in a slight mottling effect in the tooth, which is often considered more attractive.

Is Fluoride Safe?
There is no significant danger from fluoride and it is very rare to overdose on fluoride. As mentioned before, the only serious effect occurs when too much fluoride is taken causing fluorosis.
Many reports have been published about the pros and cons of fluoride. After many years the scientific conclusion is that fluoride is of great benefit to dental health and helps to reduce decay, while causing no harmful side effects.
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When Would I Need A Mouthguard?

It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey and football - which can cause broken and damaged teeth; and American football, boxing and rugby - which can all cause broken or dislocated jaws. A mouthguard will help protect against these events.

Where Can I Get One Made?
Your dentist will be happy to make you a custom-made mouthguard, which will fit your mouth exactly and protect your teeth and gums properly. Custom made mouthguards can prevent damage to the jaw, neck and even the brain - helping to prevent the concussion and damage caused by a heavy blow.

How Much Will It Cost?
Written estimates given on request.. When you consider the cost of expensive dental work and the risk of missing teeth, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

What About Home Kits?
Mouththguards are made by taking an accurate impression of your mouth and making the mouthguard to fit your own teeth. The dentist will register the way your jaws bite together to make sure the mouthguard meets properly with your teeth.
There are cheaper kits available. They involve heating the product in hot water and then putting it in your mouth until it sets. Unfortunately these mouthguards fit badly and are uncomfortable to wear. They can fall out or even cause choking. Also the material is at its thinnest where it is needed most. You may find that the club you belong to are only insured if you wear a professionally made mouthguard.