Preventative dentistry for all ages

Child getting teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist

Modern day dental practices focus heavily on the prevention of dental issues rather than simply working on providing restorative treatments for their patients. Prevention is usually better than cure!  This allows for a healthier smile that can give people many years of enjoyment from their teeth and gums.

Healthy smiles and gums can be achieved thanks to innovative advances in dental technology, giving dentists the means to identify accurately and quickly, early signs and stages of decay that may not have been detectable in previous years. Many dental health care professionals ensure that their routine dental examinations take full advantage of these new practices, so that their patients are able to benefit from this technology.

A dentist in Mackay is pleased to see new and existing patients on a regular basis in order to ensure that their personal oral hygiene techniques are suitable and to assess the condition of their teeth. By educating patients in an interesting and informative manner, dentists are able to teach patients on what they, personally, need to know in order to improve the health of their whole smile.

Dentists make it their duty to preserve the natural tooth structure where possible. Whether it be with a number of preventative treatments that are available for both children and adults or with simple education, they are committed to providing individually tailored treatment plans for patients of all ages.

What are some of these treatments that are on offer?

Preventative treatments range from treating bad breath to dietary guidance and smoking cessation guidance. Fissure sealants are also popular options for both adults and children alike to prevent decay.

For those who suffer from bad breath, it is important to find the root cause of the issue. Mouthwash simply does not work in some instances when bad breath is a symptom of a more sinister condition.

It is important to look holistically at the issue and decide whether bad breath is a sign of some stomach concern or if there are any other symptoms that may be linked with it. A patient can discuss with a dentist what their normal diet and exercise routine may be like in order to give some clues to an underlying cause.

In terms of dental care, bad breath is most likely caused by the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. This can be a hormonal issue or simply because of poor oral hygiene.

Fissure sealants can be a means of eliminating a build-up of bad bacteria which help the patient in many ways. Not only can it reduce the cause behind bad breath, but it can also prevent plaque and tartar from forming.

The molars in the back of the mouth are full of deep grooves which are hard to reach, especially for children. Food can get lodged in these areas and destroy newly formed adult teeth in children, causing potential problems for life.

By applying a sealant to these areas, the teeth are covered and protected from bacteria and decay and can remain in a healthy condition for a long time. If the sealant has chipped or worn away over time, it is easy to reapply again.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.