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Preventive Treatments
If you want general information on a condition or treatment,
go to the British
Dental Health Foundation's web site where they have over 40 online
leaflets.
| Mouth Cancer Screening
(click here
for more information) |
ORAL CANCER SCREENING
In 2008 the practice invested in a revolutionary Oral Cancer Screening and Discovery Device for the early detection of abnormal soft tissues.
The 5-minute examination is non-invasive and uses a filtered blue light to emphasize any changes in the mouth that we could not normally see with the naked eye.
The Velscope was developed in North America in 2007 by the British Columbia Centre for Cancer Research and it has received approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
http://www.velscope.com/velscope/studies.php
Oral Cancer Facts
- 1,700 people die every year of mouth cancer - In the UK that's 1 death every 5 hours
- 4,300 new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed annually
- The number of new mouth cancer cases increased by more than17% in the last 4 years
- Mouth cancer is more common in men than in women, but this gap is closing
- Smoking, drinking alcohol and poor diet are major risk factors.
- Smokers and heavy drinkers are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer
- Mouth cancer is more likely to affect those over 40 years of age, although there are an increasing number of young people that are developing the condition
- Cancer can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites located in the head and neck area. These "Mouth Cancers" have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma
- When Oral cancer is discovered in the early stages the survival rate is very high, but when discovered in the late stages (which is normally the case), the survival rate is very low
- HPV - The human papilloma virus, particularly HPV16 and 18, is the virus which causes genital warts and can lead to cervical and oral cancers
- Since oral cancer can affect anyone, without regard to age or gender, it is very important to have regular screenings for this deadly disease.
- Early screening, diagnosis and treatment planning saves lives!
For more information please visit http://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/
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| Bad Breath (click here
for more information) |
Bad breath is a very common problem and there
are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually
caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat
your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions
can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes
of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and
stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the
teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an
unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important
to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease
and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will
not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist
look for and treat these problems. |
| Early Decay Detection &
X-rays (click here
for more information) |
DIGITAL X-RAYS
Dental X-rays are important for many reasons. They can expose hidden dental decay; reveal a dental abscess, cyst or tumour; show impacted or extra teeth; and also help determine the condition of fillings, crowns, bridges and root canals. Dental X-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, tartar build up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants. These are just some of the many reasons why dentists rely on dental X-rays.
How Digital Dental X-Rays Work
We place a small sensor in your mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to photograph other sections of your teeth.
Why Digital Dental X-Rays are Better
The digital X-ray system is more sensitive than standard X-ray film systems, so your exposure to X-rays is cut by as much as 90 percent. The large, colour-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it's easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth.
Dental X-rays are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. They do not, however, replace the need for a visual examination of the head, neck and oral cavity. It is only with a combination of both the X-ray and the visual examination that the dentist can best treat his or her patients.
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| Early Gum Disease Screening
(click here
for more information) |
| Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection
of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms
of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
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| Hygienist (click here
for more information) |
| The hygienist’s main role is to professionally
clean the teeth for the patient. This is usually called scaling
and polishing. However, perhaps their most important role is
showing the patient the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque.
The hygienist will work with your dentist to provide care tailored
to your needs. |
| Mouth Guards (click
here
for more information) |
A mouthguard is a specially made,
rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums,
cushioning them and protecting them from damage.
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. |
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Holistic Dental Centre
5 Hart House
The Hart
Farnham
Surrey GU9 7HA
tel: 01252 820004
fax: 01252 820003
Mon - Fri: 08.30 - 17.30
Saturday: mornings only
8am appointments
available on request |
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