Preventative Dental Care

Family Dentistry / Preventative Dental Care

A Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These wise words apply perfectly to our teeth: it’s better to follow proper oral hygiene now than to trying to fix the damage after it happens.

In other words, preventative dental care helps limit the need for fillings and other restorative dental work.

Preventative care is the key to long-term oral health. What are we trying to prevent? Cavities, gum disease, receding gums, gingivitis, enamel wear and a host of other dental problems.

At home this includes twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. At the dentist, preventative dental care includes:

Regular dental checkups
Professional cleanings
Education

Preventative Care: What To Expect

A professional dental cleaning at our Surrey dental clinic includes the removal of plaque build up that cannot be removed by brushing; and includes scaling, root planing and polishing. Dr. Bajwa and his dental staff will also provide a comprehensive dental exam to assess your needs.

Preventative treatments may include fluoride varnish, sealants, oral cancer screening and/or digital X-rays (see our Technology).

We believe that education is the cornerstone of preventative dental care. It starts as early as possible – whether it’s your first visit to our clinic at age two or forty-five, we’ll help you and your family members establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep teeth looking healthy and white.

We will also be your partners in knowledge: the more you understand about your teeth and their needs, the better care you will take of them. Beyond improving hygiene routines, we can provide guidance with nutrition and oral hygiene instructions.

Have questions about general and preventative dental care? Ask any of our Surrey dental clinic staff members for help.

Common Questions

How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?

Answer

We recommend coming into our Surrey dental clinic every six months for a cleaning. If you have gum disease or other gum issues, we may ask you to come in more often. At your first visit we’ll establish the baseline for your oral health and wellness, and make recommendations for preventative dental care based on this.

Why do I need a mouthguard?

Answer

If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep or when stressed, it can cause microfractures in the teeth. This results in prematurely worn teeth, tooth damage and/or jaw pain. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the best quality and comfort that will protect your teeth, and more importantly, help prevent the need for restorative procedures down the road.

Do I need X-rays at every appointment?

Answer

The frequency of X-rays depends on your oral health. If your teeth are not as healthy as they could be, or you have had recent dental work and your dentist is monitoring your progress, you may require X-rays at every appointment. Dental X-rays are necessary for identifying small problems before they turn into bigger ones, such as hidden decay or bone loss. If you are unsure as to why your dentist is ordering frequent X-rays, be sure to ask. Our dental clinic utilizes digital X-rays, which greatly reduces radiation exposure levels.

“Smile. It’s the boldest statement you can make without saying a word.”
–Unknown
DID YOU KNOW?

Roughly 60% of children from age 5-17 are affected by dental decay, a disease caused by bacterial infection and one of the most common childhood disorders.
–Canadian Dental Association
Our vision is to provide the highest standard of dental care possible, while being an integral member of our community with lifelong involvement and outreach.
–Sullivan Heights Dental
DID YOU KNOW?

Only 28% of people floss five times per week.
–Canadian Dental Association

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