Dental Health

At Dental Care Centre Lower Hutt is prepared to answer all questions pertaining to your dental health and appearance. Oral hygiene, specifically brushing and flossing, are a vital part of your dental health. We can also answer your questions about the different dental specialties and explain the meaning of dental terms.

Select from the topics below for more information about dental health:

Oral Hygiene and Dental Hygienists - Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily; together with choosing what and when to drink and eat. We know now that there is no reason for adults to loose teeth and this not something we should expect to happen.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental tarter and plaque buildup to a minimum, but tartar builds up in places your toothbrush and floss cannot get to below the gum line. Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist removes this tartar, improves your gum health and reduces the chances of teeth loss over time. Your visit to our Hygienist is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.

Child Dentistry - Your child's first visit :

The first "regular" dental visit should be just after your child's third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth causing loss of teeth, bad breath, shrinking gums and abscesses. Dental plaque is the main cause of gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing together with regular professional hygiene treatments will prevent most periodontal conditions.