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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) |
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can
occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and
throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths
per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin
melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment,
with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because
of late detection.
Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems
or are not sure. Six-monthly dental checkups allow early detection!
Click here
to visit the Mouth Cancer Awareness web site and forums. |
| 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) |
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though
it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher
magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect
decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When
cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive
to treat.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs.
Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be
able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the
enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss
around the tooth. |
| 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.
|
| 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 |
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