Summary

• The best way to prevent decay and gum disease is with regular check-ups and cleans.

• Problems such as holes are simpler and cheaper to fix if they are found early.

The big picture

Our western diet has improved with knowledge, but we still eat a lot of processed carbohydrates and consume a lot of sugars! And these foods are ideal sources of nourishment for the bacteria that convert those sugars into acids, which can start the decay process.  The mouth is full of different bacteria, and some of these can attack the enamel that layers over the tooth, and then these bacteria, and others, can attack the dentine underneath. The addition of fluoride to the water has dramatically reduced decay rates, as it makes the tooth less soluble to acids, but it has not removed dental decay completely. Brushing and flossing are a further aid in preventing decay, but a lot of our work is still restoring cavities.

The best way to tackle the issue is to have regular check-ups. A hole is simpler and cheaper to fix when it is small. Further, there is less chance of subsequent fractures of a tooth if it has not been ‘hollowed out’ by a large carious lesion. Small fillings will always look better, and they will last a lot longer. If we can keep the majority of the occlusal surface of the tooth intact, then there will also be less wear in the future, and this wearing down of the teeth is a precursor to major problems later in life.

We strongly recommend six monthly check-ups and cleans. Prevention is by far better than correction, and this applies to cavities, and also to ‘gum disease’.  Sage Dental has three dedicated dentists who will examine and discuss with you your individual needs and make recommendations that are designed to make your lives as trouble free as we can make them, at least on the dental front. We also have two hygienists who will clean and instruct you on your oral hygiene issues.

So, whether you need a few small fillings, just a clean or a few fissure sealants to prevent a tooth decaying, these procedures are all standard and everyday treatments.