Prevention
Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic provides preventive treatments for all family members. What this means is we aim to provide treatments that reduce the risk of dental disease. Along with dental screening we offer dietary and oral hygiene advice and believe that fluoride application should be an integral part of your maintenance programme. Maddie, our dental hygienist, offers preventive programmes for all ages, as well as tailored packages for teeth whitening. Testing
Dental hygiene is about taking care of your teeth and mouth through daily teeth brushing and flossing as well as good nutrition and hydration. Regular trips to the dental hygienist ensures long term health of your teeth and gums and gives you the tools to develop excellent habits. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease, so seeing a hygienist regularly gives you the peace of mind that any issues can be spotted and addressed early on.
You will have a comprehensive assessment of your gums as well as a thorough cleaning. The hygienist will discuss with you any of the findings made and with your consent can refer you for any further treatment required.
It’s a gentle way to ease yourself into good habits which you need to maintain healthy teeth for life. We consider your dental hygiene appointments to be as important as your dental examination and screening.
No. Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not normal. Inflammation is your body’s response to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth. Gum inflammation is called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and cleaning in between the teeth, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by your hygienist to remove it.
If your gums bleed it is important to carry on brushing and to keep the mouth clean otherwise the bacteria will continue to grow will make gum inflammation worse. After a few days of thorough cleaning, your gums should stop bleeding. If your gums are bleeding you need to ask the advice of your dental team, who diagnose and treat the problem but most importantly, will show you how to look after your teeth and gums to prevent further problems.
Smoking can cover up a gum problem as it restricts the blood flow to the mouth. If you have recently given up smoking this could allow the gums to get a better circulation
Fluoride helps to strengthen and protect teeth, which can help reduce tooth decay in adults and children.
All children up to three years old should use a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of no less than 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old they should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm.
Some children’s toothpastes only have about half the fluoride that adult toothpastes have. They only give limited protection for the teeth. If your children are under 7 you should keep an eye on them when they brush their teeth and encourage them not to swallow the toothpaste.
It is recommended that children should go to the dentist with their parents as soon as possible. You should then take them regularly, as often as your dental team recommend. This will let them get used to the noises, smells and surroundings and prepare them for future visits. The earlier these visits start, the more relaxed the children will be.
Tests have shown that power toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque. Everyone can use a power brush. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement of the arm or hand, such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly.
You can try using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Rub a little toothpaste into the sensitive area when going to bed as it helps protect the surface.
Try to avoid strongly acidic foods and drinks and wait at least an hour after eating before brushing as this could cause even more sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can also increase sensitivity and a mouth guard maybe necessary.
If the pain continues, speak to your dental team and they may be able to offer further care to reduce your symptoms. Several things can cause sensitivity and your dental team will be able to identify these and advise the correct care
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, gums and tongue. Also, bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. So, it is very important to brush your teeth correctly and regularly. This will help keep your breath smelling fresh.
The bacteria on our teeth and gums (called ‘plaque’) also cause gum disease and tooth decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
The dental team will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems.
Dry mouth‘ (xerostomia) is a condition that means your mouth produces less saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in your mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, by salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems.
If you suffer from dry mouth, the dental team may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product. Or they may be able to suggest other ways of dealing with the problem.
If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP to find out the cause of your bad breath.
Dental Hygiene
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
(GUM DISEASE)
Often painless gum disease can remain symptom-less or you may notice bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, swollen gums and sensitive teeth. Thousands of bacteria live in our mouths. Most are harmless, but some release toxins which cause damage to the supporting structures of our teeth.
Following a comprehensive dental examination our dentist and hygienist will work together to provide treatment plan such as full mouth detox or specific periodontal therapy. Gum disease is highly complex and progressive and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss.
Fillings are commonly used to treat cavities (tooth decay), but they are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth, or teeth that have been worn down over time.
In our dental clinic in Dubai, we use high quality composite filling materials with a wide range of tooth colours allowing near-invisible restorations.
- They look more aesthetically pleasing since they match your natural tooth colour and appearance.
- They require less drilling (preparation) so not as much tooth structure needs to be removed.
- They set in seconds instead of days like other materials.
- They bond to the tooth giving it greater strength, which helps prevent breaks and supports your natural tooth
- They can be repaired if damaged.
