When you visit us at Garden View Dental Care, we are conscious of the fact that the better informed you are about any check-ups or treatments, the more comfortable you will be. That’s why we do not use jargon or technical terminology or, if we must, we back it up with clear explanations. Please feel free to ask us any questions before, during or after your treatment if there is anything you think could be clearer. We welcome any feedback and the chance to improve your patient experience when you visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire.

Here we explore some common terms that are used quite often during a general visit to the dentist in Buckinghamshire.

Arch

You have a set of teeth at the top of your mouth and one at the bottom. Each of these is called an ‘arch’. They are usually referred to as the upper or lower arch. If you need a full denture, this can also be referred to as an arch.

Bonding

Bonding is a common dental term that can refer to the way a prosthetic is attached or the way a tooth is repaired. Composite bonding is when resin or another suitable material is used to make repairs or cosmetic improvements to the teeth. It can be used to fix cracks and chips as well as cover stains.

Cavities

This is a word you are likely to have heard and you know it’s bad when the dentist uses it about your teeth. Cavities are effectively holes in your teeth that are caused by decay. They are more common in children’s teeth. Once they have appeared, they need clearing and filling to stop them getting worse and needing more extensive repairs.

Dental practice

At Garden View Dental Care, we have a whole team to support you when you visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire. Our dental practice has a couple of dentists, a hygienist, a dental nurse and our receptionist. We are all standing by to support your dental health.

Extraction

There are lots of reasons why people have teeth extracted. Sometimes it is because the tooth is no longer functional but other times it might be to reduce overcrowding or make room for realignment.

When you come for a check-up, the dentist in Buckinghamshire at Garden View Dental Care will be checking all around your teeth and gums. They’ll inspect the tongue and even take a glance at your neck and face. This is all part of checking that the whole dentition system is working and there are no obvious issues. When they are checking the teeth, they will work their way around carefully, so each tooth is examined.

While many dental issues can happen to any of your teeth, the dentist in Buckinghamshire would expect to see certain issues more commonly on each of the different types of teeth. Some of these are explained below.

Incisors

These are the flat teeth that sit at the front of your mouth. There are usually 8 in an adult set. They are used for tearing food and they are the ones that are most visible when you smile. For the latter reason, people often concentrate on these teeth when they want cosmetic work. The incisors are also the most vulnerable teeth when it comes to accidental chips and cracks. There are several ways that the dentist in Buckinghamshire can addresses these including light filing for very minor chips, cosmetic bonding and veneers.

Canines

These are the pointy teeth that sit either side of the flat front teeth. They are used to shred and break down food. There are just four of these in the mouth. It’s quite common for these teeth to come through a little twisted or misaligned in some way. The dentist in Buckinghamshire might look for signs of this in young patients so they can advise about future realignment treatment.

Pre-molars and molars

These are the flatter teeth. Pre-molars are smaller and towards the front of the mouth and molars sit at the back. They are all used to grind food into smaller pieces and start the digestive process. The molars are the teeth that are most prone to decay partly because of the heavy use they experience and partly because they are harder to clean. Fortunately, there are lots of techniques the dentist can use to protect and repair your molars and pre-molars if you visit for regular check-ups.

It can be tempting to save money by not visiting the dentist in Buckinghamshire for the recommended twice-yearly check-up. If you are an adult and you have no kids to set a good example to, it can be even easier to ignore this important health routine. And if you are a bit scared, or a lot scared, of going to the dentist, you may find it actually hard to come along for a check-up.

But there are very good reasons why everyone needs regular visits to the dentist in Buckinghamshire, and at Garden View Dental Care, we like to make sure our patients understand what’s a stake with regard to their dental health, and their overall health if they don’t come along.

Plaque

Plaque is the name we give to that sticky film that builds up on the teeth during the day. It is made up of millions of bacteria, reproducing away merrily, and really going for it reproduction-wise when we eat sugar, which is what they feed on. Plaque is what we are trying to remove when we brush our teeth. We sweep it away with brush and paste, floss and interdental brushes. But we can’t get all of it, no matter how hard we try, and after 3 days, plaque hardens into something called calculus or tartar. This is a solid as cement and the only way to get it off is to scrape it away with special tools.

Decay

The trouble with plaque is that the bacteria give off acids when they eat, and these acids eat away at the enamel on our teeth, creating little holes through which decay-causing bacteria can enter and start to eat away inside our teeth. That’s when we need fillings. Left alone, decay will destroy the entire tooth from the inside, leading to infections that go down into the roots and can then get into the jawbone and destroy that too.

Gum disease

Acids also attack the gums and then then the tooth root and jawbone underneath the gum. Gum disease is associated heart disease, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. Getting plaque removed at the dentist in Buckinghamshire can make a difference to your whole body.

Gum disease is a condition that affects many people around the world and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they suffer from gum disease. Part of the problem is that they neglect to visit the dentist regularly, relying instead on common myths about gum disease.

At Garden View Dental Care, we are committed to educating our patients on all aspects of oral healthcare, including gum disease prevention. However, if you have already developed gum disease, you can arrest assured that our dentist in Buckinghamshire will devise a personalised treatment plan to suit your individual dental needs. Our experienced dentist in Buckinghamshire will help debunk common gum disease myths and help you stay on top of your oral health.

Bleeding gums can be overlooked

No matter what, red, swollen, puffy and bleeding gums are always a sign that something is wrong with your oral health. If people notice blood on their toothbrush or sink when they clean their teeth, they should prioritise a visit to the dentist in Buckinghamshire to be checked for gum disease. In addition to tooth loss, gum disease can contribute to the development of other diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Flossing is not necessary

If anything, flossing daily can prevent gum disease by removing the build-up of bacteria that have trapped in-between your teeth.

Poor oral health is responsible for gum disease

Skipping good oral hygiene can definitely contribute to the development and progression of gum disease, but this is not the only risk present. For example, smokers and diabetics have a greater chance of developing gum disease. Other factors that may increase the risk of gum disease include poor diet, stress and even genetics.

Gum disease is responsible for tooth loss

Although periodontitis (late-stage gum disease) can lead to tooth loss and serious gum infection, patients will not lose any teeth to gum disease if they practice proper and thorough oral hygiene every day. Visiting your dentist in Buckinghamshire for check-ups and professional cleanings will help you stay on top of your oral health and prevent gum disease from developing.

Just like adults, children should visit the dentist regularly to ensure that their teeth and gums stay healthy and functional. For a child, a trip to the dentist can be a stressful experience. However, the earlier they start, the better are the chances that they develop good oral hygiene habits for life.

At Garden View Dental Care, we cannot stress enough the importance of early dental examinations. Generally, you should make your child’s first visit to the dentist in Buckinghamshire at the age of one year, or shortly after they develop their first tooth. Studies have shown that children who visit the dentist from an early age are less likely to encounter dental issues as they grow up.

First visit preparation

If you are a new parent, you may be wondering how to start with your children’s dental care. At Garden View Dental Care, we are experienced in dental care for children and our dentist in Buckinghamshire will do their best to ensure that your child remains calm throughout the procedure. They will try to cultivate a positive relationship with your child by providing comprehensive and age-appropriate dental services.

If you are unaware of how to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist in Buckinghamshire, you may wish to educate them about their teeth and gums. Young children are very impressionable and curious about their body, therefore it is never too early to start talking about their teeth and proper dental care. Using fun activities to prepare your child for the dentist is recommended. For example, you can read stories about teeth and tooth brushing and listen to fun songs, specifically tailored for children.

All these activities will help raise awareness with your child about their teeth and help them develop a healthy relationship with the dentist.

What to expect

At Garden View Dental Care, we strive to build a relationship with your child already from the very first visit. Our aim is not only to prevent and address any dental problems, but also to educate your child on tooth care and maintenance. Schedule visits every six months to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy, since baby teeth can be vulnerable to cavities.