If you are an adult who thinks that you can avoid gum disease or tooth decay because you brush and floss your teeth regularly, think again. Just like children, adults are equally at risk from many dental problems. Dental care for adults is really important and visiting the dentist at least twice a year is imperative.
Here, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we have always been involved in prevention and we firmly believe that ultimately prevention is better than cure. Your dentist in Harley Street will examine your teeth and gums thoroughly and will look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease before they develop into serious problems. This will save you money and time in the long run.
Gum disease
Statistically, patients over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to tooth decay. Gum disease can be attributed to many factors; however, poor oral hygiene is the most common. If you oral care routine has slipped and you fail to attend your regular dental cleanings, plaque and bacteria will eventually build up on your teeth, causing your gums to loosen and become red and sensitive. Left untreated, gum disease can even result in tooth loss. The good news is that this is a preventable disease and visiting the dentist in Harley Street for regular cleaning will save you a great deal.
Tooth decay and cavities
Changes that occur with ageing leave adults prone to cavities. Poor oral hygiene combined with an increased incidence of gum disease can expose tooth roots to plaque and other bacteria, encouraging the formation of cavities. Decay begins in the main portion of the tooth and as the enamel is broken down the decay can go deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve of the tooth.
Early warning signs
Gum disease and tooth decay – the two leading causes of tooth loss – often have few early warning signs, but can be easily avoided. Thanks to the modern techniques used at our dental practice, your Harley Street dentist can often determine whether you suffer from either condition, before you have even realised you have them.