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Take Good Care of Your Teeth
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Check-Up
Hygiene
Fillings
Gums
Extractions
Wisdom Teeth
What is general dentistry about?
The simplest possible definition
General dentistry covers all the routine care and treatments that help keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.
It’s about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common oral health issues – making sure your teeth, gums, and mouth are cared for at every stage of life.
Is general dentistry just about fixing teeth?
Not at all. While general dentists do repair teeth, their main aim is to help you avoid problems in the first place.
Keeping your mouth healthy with regular check-ups and cleaning also benefits your overall health, not just your teeth.
General Dentistry Treatments
Dental Check-up
A dental check-up is a routine visit during which a dentist examines your teeth, gums, and mouth to spot early signs of trouble.
Must know:
- If you don’t have any known issues, a dental check-up is best advised every 6 to 12 months.
- The main goal is prevention – finding issues before they become painful or expensive to fix.
- A check-up usually includes a full visual examination, questions about your health, and sometimes X-rays.
- The dentist may recommend a hygiene (cleaning) appointment if there is plaque or tartar build-up.
- If any problems are found (like a cavity), you’ll be given advice and treatment options.
Dental Hygiene
A hygiene appointment (or scale and polish) is a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach.
Must know:
- Hygiene visits help prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.
- Dental hygiene is advised every 6 to 12 months, or more frequently if you have gum problems.
- The hygienist uses special tools to gently clean above and below the gumline.
- The treatment is usually painless, but you might feel mild sensitivity if your gums are inflamed.
- You’ll receive tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and keeping your mouth healthy at home.
- Hygiene appointments are often recommended after your check-up, or if you notice bleeding gums or persistent bad breath.
- Hygiene appointments are often recommended after your check-up, or if you notice bleeding gums or persistent bad breath.
Fillings
A filling is a simple treatment to fix a tooth that has a cavity (hole) from decay or a small crack.
The dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth and fills the space with a tooth-coloured material, so the tooth looks and works like normal.
Fillings are only done when there is enough healthy tooth left.
Before starting, the dentist numbs the area so you don’t feel pain.
Getting a filling helps stop the cavity from getting bigger or turning into a painful infection.
If you ignore a cavity, it can lead to toothache, more complicated treatment, or losing the tooth.
Fillings can last for years, but eventually might need to be replaced if they wear out or break.
Gums
This might be a surprise, but gums also require dedicated care. Healthy gums keep teeth strong and stable.
If your gums bleed, look red, or feel swollen, these are early warning signs that they need attention.
Dentists and hygienists check your gums at every visit. If there are any problems, they will show you how to clean better at home or recommend a special cleaning to get your gums healthy again.
If gum problems are ignored, teeth can become loose, painful or even fall out over time.
Must know:
- Looking after your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth.
- Bleeding or swollen gums should always be checked by a dental professional.
- Most gum problems can be prevented or treated if caught early.
Extractions
An extraction is when a dentist takes out a tooth that can’t be fixed.
This is usually done if a tooth is badly damaged, infected, or making your mouth crowded.
The dentist will make the area numb so you don’t feel pain during the removal.
Afterwards, you’ll get easy instructions to help your mouth heal.
If you lose a tooth, there are ways to fill the gap, like with a false tooth or implant.
Must know:
- Teeth are only removed when there’s no other choice.
- The dentist makes sure you’re comfortable during the procedure.
- There are options to replace a missing tooth.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars, usually coming through in your late teens or early twenties.
Sometimes there isn’t enough space for them to grow properly. This can lead to pain, swelling, or infection.
A dentist will check your wisdom teeth at regular appointments and can take an X-ray if needed.
If wisdom teeth are causing problems, they may need to be removed.
Must know:
- Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth taken out.
- Wisdom teeth are only removed if they’re causing pain or trouble.
- Your dentist will explain the best option for your situation.
