At Blacktown Dental Group, we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to keeping your smile as healthy as possible, prevention truly is the key. Thanks to routine dental hygiene visits, we’ll be able to look after your teeth and gums to keep them in the best shape possible.
During your hygiene appointment, we’ll clean away soft plaque and calcified tartar buildup then polish off any stain accumulations that have formed since your last checkup. Not only will you leave with a luminous and smooth finish, but you’ll also be given a ‘blank slate’ that’s easier to clean and maintain between visits. If we think that you require further treatment or identify a potential problem, we can get your needs addressed straightaway.
Part of your hygiene appointment at Blacktown Dental Group will include an exam of your teeth, existing restorations and any necessary X-rays. We’ll also perform an oral cancer evaluation and periodontal exam.
By pinpointing any concerns at the earliest stage of development, we can intervene using less-invasive methods or perhaps reverse them altogether. For example, the onset of gingivitis can be addressed with a more rigorous oral hygiene routine before it progresses into gum disease and tooth loss.
Our healthiest patients benefit from a scale and clean every six months. If you’re recovering from gum disease, we may need to see you for a maintenance visit as frequently as every 3-4 months.
There are two stages to gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The first, gingivitis, is reversible if caught early. If you have advanced to periodontitis, we can help you manage your condition.
If you’re exhibiting signs of periodontitis, it’s best to see our dentist straightaway. There are certain symptoms that may indicate you have gum disease. Look for signs such as
If you notice any of these signs, be sure that you contact a member of our team directly. We’ll get you booked in for an appointment so that you can be evaluated.
A child’s smile plays a significant role in the future health and alignment of their adult teeth. Teeth that are crooked or decayed can also have a negative effect on your child’s self-esteem. We recommend bringing your child in for a checkup at a young age, acclimating them to the dental office and allowing us to monitor the development of their smile before bigger concerns arise later.
You can bring them in from about when their first teeth erupt. If they have an older sibling, we suggest they accompany you on their sibling’s dental visit. That way, they can become acclimated to our office and staff.
In addition to brushing twice a day, you should floss your teeth every day. Keep to a regular checkup schedule seeing us every six months. When you see us for your appointments, we’ll be sure to give you any tips or advice we think you can put to good use. We may talk to you about your brushing and flossing techniques or recommend certain products that are appropriate for you.
We recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. That’s because medium and firmer ones can damage teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Both manual and electric toothbrushes do a good job of cleaning teeth.
It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If the bristles start to look bent, however, or are splayed, you should replace it even sooner.