When you visit your dentist for a routine examination, he or she can look at your mouth and help you spot the areas that need attention.

This may include giving you tips on:

• How to fine tune your eating habits to minimise decay,
  
  
• Which parts of your mouth you need to give more attention to when brushing your teeth,
  
  
• The hardness of your toothbrush, and
  
  
• Your tooth brushing and flossing techniques.

Treating decay

Dental decay occurs in our teeth when plaque bacteria use sugars in our diet to produce an acid that attacks our teeth. This dissolves tooth structure, and the bacteria can then infect the dissolved part of the tooth. Here they are sheltered from tooth brushing and flossing, and they are also out of the reach of protection saliva offers our teeth.

If decay is spotted before bacteria have entered the tooth, it can be treated by fluoride treatments, and may not need a filling.

However, when teeth are infected (a cavity is present), the infection has to be removed from the tooth tissue. Following this, the hole left behind has to be filled to close the open tooth tissue. The tooth has to be restored to its original shape and size to maintain its function (and appearance), and protect the inner parts of the tooth from further infections.

Treating gum disease

Gum disease (also known as gingivitis, periodontitis, or pyorrhoea) is caused by dental plaque, the bacterial film that forms on our teeth.

At first this bacterial layer causes bleeding of the gums. Slowly, this infection starts to affect the bone structure underneath our gums, and leads to the loss of bone structure, and the fibres that attach our teeth to our jaws. As a result our teeth may become wobbly, and we may loose teeth.

Gum disease does not disappear with a course of antibiotics. Patients must carefully brush and floss as recommended by their dentist for effective treatment.

Success in treatment can only be achieved if the sufferer:

• Brushes and flosses as recommended by the dentist, and
  
  
• Visits the dentist regularly as recommended.

Cosmetic dentistry

Ever been worried about a chipped tooth? Does a stain on your front tooth bother you? What about that gap between two teeth?

Our teeth are one of the first things other people notice when we talk, smile or even look at them. Most of us therefore find our teeth need to be up to a certain aesthetic standard, and for a lot of people their natural teeth do them proud.

However, there are some of us who do not feel comfortable with the appearance of our teeth.

Dentists can help in a variety of ways to improve our smiles. A scale and polish carried out by your dentist or hygienist not only helps our gums to health, but also can brighten up a smile. Sometimes a simple addition of a white filling that requires no injections or drills can build up an unsightly space, missing teeth can be replaced, porcelain veneers (facings) and crowns can be used - completely changing one's appearance.