Hygiene Work

Of course, our aim at Wimbledon Dental Spa is to help you avoid dental treatment in the first place. We run a patient education programme to ensure patients know how to look after their teeth and gums effectively.

Plaque is the main culprit, and if this is allowed to build up on your teeth, it will lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can then lead to fillings, crowns and even tooth loss.

Sticking to a regular and thorough brushing regime, visiting the dentist regularly and enjoying a healthy diet will help you avoid the problems associated with plaque build-up.

When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles and one that is small enough to get into all areas of your mouth, especially the back. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every two to three months or when the bristles become splayed.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and small, circular movements on all surfaces of each tooth. Brushing your tongue also helps to remove bacteria from your mouth.

Flossing is recommended to remove plaque and food from between your teeth. You should also visit your dentist regularly to avoid any long-term build up of plaque or tartar.

If your gums become red or swollen or they bleed when brushed or flossed, you may have the beginnings of gum disease (or gingivitis). This can then lead to periodontal disease, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth begin to deteriorate, making the tooth loosen or even fall out. Visit your dentist for advice and treatment if you suspect you have gum disease.

Do I need to replace missing teeth?

Wimbledon Dental Spa recommends that you replace any missing teeth. If you leave a gap in your mouth, this can cause extra strain on the surrounding teeth. Food can also get into the gap, leading to more tooth decay and gum disease. Having a gap in your teeth can also change the way your remaining teeth bite together as well as affecting the shape of your face and your smile.

Bridges

Oral hygiene is extremely important with bridges. You need to clean your bridge every day to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day using a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Dentures

It is vitally important that partial denture wearers brush their teeth thoroughly every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you wear full dentures, it is still important to take good care of your mouth. You need to brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth twice a day with a soft–bristled brush. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.

Children

Children should visit the dentist every six months; this gets them used to the surgery environment and helps them feel at ease whilst having their teeth examined.

Wimbledon Dental Spa advises you to supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least seven.

Use a small-headed soft toothbrush and make small circular movements concentrating on one section at a time. Also brush gently behind the teeth and on the gums.

You can use fluoride toothpaste for children or choose a low-fluoride option if preferred. Use smear of toothpaste up to 5 years; from 5 to 7 use slightly less than a pea size and a normal pea size from 7 years upwards, always making sure children spit it out rather than swallow it.

Help prevent tooth decay by trying to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only, choosing snacks such as cheese and vegetables between meals.