Our approach to dentistry in the twenty-first century is to focus on our patient’s wellbeing as a whole. Our mouth affects our entire body and therefore a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. If you have teeth that are not properly maintained the bacteria that accumulates can cause problems to other areas of your body. As an established dentist in St John’s Wood we believe that education is one of the essential cornerstones of dental care. We also take the time to get to know and understand our patients, developing relationships, so that we have a better understanding of what they expect from us.
Education must start early
Educating adult patients on the correct way to brush and floss their teeth is part of our preventive dentistry program. Discussing and recommending the correct type of toothbrush that they should be using for their teeth is part of the education. Unfortunately, many adult patients are still brushing incorrectly and with the wrong brush. Getting to see the children of our patients early is another part of our preventive dentistry program. If you can bring your children into our surgery with you when you have an appointment you will be helping them to get used to the surroundings. It also gives them a chance to meet our friendly staff and to become relaxed and comfortable in the dental practice. When it comes to their first appointment they will already be familiar with the environment so they will have no anxiety.
Regular visits can prevent serious dental problems later
Attending regular six-monthly dental visits is a very important part of taking care of your teeth. We will also be able to detect any problem that may be manifesting and deal with it early, saving you serious problems later. Seeing our hygienist regularly ensures that plaque build-up is kept to a minimum and that your teeth are well maintained.
Wellbeing is vitally important
There are some serious diseases that have been linked to bacteria from your mouth. Endocarditis, which is an infection of the lining of the heart, can occur when the bacteria from another part of your body, such as your mouth gets into your bloodstream. Inflammation of your gums can cause periodontitis which has been associated with premature birth and underweight infants in pregnant women. Even heart disease has been linked to oral bacteria so it demonstrates that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is all part of patient wellbeing.
What can I do to try and stay healthy
Of course, your genes dictate your health to a large degree but you can do a number of things to try and stay healthy. From a dental point of view, it is advised to limit the amount of fizzy and sugary drinks you consume as these mix with your mouth’s bacteria and form an acid. This will start a reaction that will attack the enamel of your teeth and this is another reason why brushing after eating and drinking is very important. You should also change your toothbrush every three or four months as the bristles become more and more worn. Don’t smoke and attend those regular dental visits.
