Tooth Decay

Tooth decay manifests itself by attacking the tooth’s enamel and it’s underlying band of dentin.

Early signs might be a particularly sensitive tooth, perhaps an unfamiliar more than likely unpleasant taste in your mouth, discolouring on your tooth or just a general toothache. If left untreated these symptoms will get worse and could lead to tooth loss or root canal treatment.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is preventable. having a healthy mouth is very much achievable for every one of us. So what can you do to avoid tooth decay and maintain a healthy mouth?

Brush your teeth regularly, every night before bed and at least once during the day, preferably more than once during the day if possible.
The type of toothpaste you use is important too. Make sure that is is at least a 1450ppm fluoride paste.
Don’t eat or drink so much sugary foods and drinks. Simple but hugely affective and just generally a good tip.
After you brush your teeth, try not to rinse your mouth with water immediately, this allows the fluoride paste to stay on your teeth for longer.

Fluoride Tooth Paste

The type of toothpaste you use is very important as is its’ fluoride level. Generally fluoride pastes come in at 1450ppm, however if you are suffering with tooth decay or problems with your mouth, your dentist may prescribe you a higher level of paste. Some of the reasons your dentist may prescribe you higher levels is;

You might be on medication that contains sugar.
Cancer treatment patients
Orthodontic treatment patients
Patients with excessively high sugar intake in their diets
Those with poor oral hygiene

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dental check-up process?

Firstly, your dentist in Smile Hub will ask you some medical questions. Existing patients may be asked to confirm any changes since their last visit. It is important that your dentist is aware of any changes to your medical history.

Oral Examination:

Your dentist will examine inside and outside your mouth including your jaw joint. Your dentist in Smile Hub will examine your teeth, your gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of your mouth and floor of your mouth. Both existing restorations such as fillings and crowns will be assessed including teeth that are unrestored. Your dentist will also examine your bite and if you wear a removable partial or complete denture this will be inspected.

Gums:

Your dentist in Smile Hub will examine your gums. Your gums are as important as your teeth as they are the “support structure” for your teeth.

X-rays:

At frequent intervals your dentist may require x-rays as part of your dental check-up. These are small, low dosage x-ray images which help your dentist to assess your tooth/teeth structure, supporting bone and existing filling and crown restorations. Your dentist in Smile Hub may also require a large full mouth x-ray called an OPG. Please inform your dentist if you’re pregnant prior to having x-rays taken.

Teeth Cleaning:

At Smile Hub your dentist may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned during your dental visit. A simple scale and polish or airpolish procedure is important to better assess your teeth and gums. Occasionally plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth making assessment of your teeth and gums more challenging.

What happens after my dental check-up?

Once your dental exam is over a treatment plan will be discussed with you. This treatment plan is a list of dental treatments required and their associated costs. A printed copy of this treatment plan will be given to you. Advice on all aspects of your treatment is available with your dentist at all times.

When will my recall appointment be scheduled?

After your treatment is completed and if your check-up requires no intervention, your dentist will recommend the appropriate time for the next dental check-up/recall. The reception staff will have your details on file and will ensure that you are called back at the appropriate time. If you need to see us sooner than that, please contact Smile Hub Dental Clinic on 01 5253888 or Book Online Now and we will help organise this for you.

How long does a dental exam take?

The length of a dental exam depends on the patient and the dentist. Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, it usually only takes a few minutes to examine the teeth and take x-rays if they are needed. If the dentist finds anything that may need treatment during the examination, they will take their time to explain to you in detail what it is and the possible treatment options available. You can also ask the dentist any queries you may have regarding treatment. A treatment plan will then be made and given to you at the end of your appointment.

Can treatment be done on the same day as an exam?

In some cases, treatment can be done on the same day as an examination. If it is a short examination appointment and the dentist has other patients after this they may suggest coming back in for treatment. If you have just booked in for an exam but the dentist has time free after your appointment, they may be able to do the treatment there and then. In the case of an emergency appointment, we will always give extra time for emergency treatment to be completed as soon as possible.