Preventive Dentistry
Early Detection. Thoughtful Care.
Keeping your teeth strong, healthy, and beautiful for life.
Preventive dentistry Overview
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile becomes increasingly important with age. As we grow older, we become more vulnerable to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, sensitivity, and dry mouth. However, with proper care and regular dental support, many of these problems can be prevented or managed effectively—helping you retain your natural teeth well into later life.
Exploring All Aspects Of Oral Care & Preventive dentistry
Oral Care For Adults
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile becomes increasingly important with age. As we grow older, we become more vulnerable to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, sensitivity, and dry mouth. However, with proper care and regular dental support, many of these problems can be prevented or managed effectively—helping you retain your natural teeth well into later life.
A consistent oral hygiene routine is essential:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque—the main cause of decay and gum disease.
- Floss daily to clean between the teeth and prevent tartar build-up.
- Limit sugary and starchy snacks, especially between meals, as they increase acid attacks on tooth enamel.
- Visit Surbiton Smile Centre® regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
As we age, we may also face more complex dental challenges:
- Gum disease (starting as gingivitis) can progress and lead to tooth loss if untreated. It’s also linked to overall health risks such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Tooth and root decay become more likely with gum recession and aging dental work.
- Tooth sensitivity often increases as enamel wears down or roots become exposed. Special toothpaste or professional care can help.
- Dry mouth, commonly caused by medication, can raise the risk of decay. Staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine, and using saliva substitutes can help relieve symptoms.
- Tooth loss may be addressed with crowns, implants, or bridges to restore function and appearance.
Additionally, conditions like Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis can indirectly affect oral health. Carers may need to assist with daily oral hygiene, and bone density loss can lead to tooth mobility or complications with certain medications.
Conclusion
Oral health is a lifelong commitment. Whether you’re 35 or 75, brushing, flossing, healthy eating, and regular dental care are the foundations of a strong, confident smile. At Surbiton Smile Centre®, we’re here to support your dental health at every stage of life—so you can keep smiling with confidence.
Dental Hygiene
What our Dental Hygienist does:
- Removes plaque and tartar from along and below the gum line to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath
- Polishes and flosses your teeth.
- Provides personalised advice for your daily oral care routine.
What is Deep Cleaning:
At Surbiton Smile Centre®, our Hygienist measures the space between your teeth and gums using a probe to check for pocketing, which can harbor bacteria. Healthy gum pockets are up to 3 millimeters deep, while pockets 5 millimeters or deeper may indicate gum disease. The European Periodontal Association recommends annual periodontal evaluations for all adults. If deep pockets are found, we may recommend deep scaling and root planing to treat the condition.
Oral Cancer Screening
At Surbiton Smile Centre®, oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental check-up. The dentist examines your mouth for unusual patches, sores, or lumps.
Most mouth sores aren’t cancerous, but if something suspicious is found, further tests like a biopsy may be needed to confirm.
Risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous oral cancer
We screen all patients regularly and can advise on reducing your risk, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is common in older adults and can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum irritation, and discomfort. It’s often caused by certain medications, medical treatments, or lifestyle factors.
Common causes include:
- Medications (e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
- Stress, autoimmune disorders, and smoking
Typical symptoms:
- Constant dry or sticky mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Bad breath and cracked lips
- Increased tooth decay
Tips to manage dry mouth:
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
- Use artificial saliva substitutes if needed
- Ask your dentist about products or aids that can help
Good oral hygiene remains key. Brush twice daily with a soft brush, use floss or interdental aids, and attend regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can be painful or signal serious issues. If a sore lasts more than 10 days or you suspect infection, visit Surbiton Smile Centre®.
Common Types:
- Burning Mouth: Painful burning sensation, lasting months or years.
- Thrush: White spots, sore throat, caused by fungal infection.
- Canker Sores: Small painful sores inside the mouth, not contagious.
- Cold Sores: Contagious blisters around lips caused by herpes virus.
- Leukoplakia: White or grey patches, may be linked to irritation or cancer.
- Sialadenitis: Infection causing swollen, painful salivary glands.
- Tooth Abscess: Painful infection inside tooth requiring treatment.
Causes –Infections, irritation from dental devices, stress, nutrition, or immune problems.
Prevention & Treatment-Regular check-ups help early detection. Treatments include medications, antifungals, topical relief, antibiotics, or dental procedures like root canals.
Warning-Watch for unusual patches, lumps, or persistent pain—these could signal oral cancer and need prompt evaluation.
Mouth Guards
Mouth GuardsAt Surbiton Smile Centre®, we recommend custom-made sport mouthguards for anyone playing contact sports like football, cricket, or hockey. These rubber-like shields are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth and gums, offering vital protection against dental injuries, jaw trauma, and even concussions.
Each mouthguard is made using a precise impression of your bite, ensuring it’s comfortable, durable, and doesn’t interfere with breathing or speech. They’re available in a range of colours and designs, including team colours or names.
Mouthguards for children and teens may need replacing as they grow. Adults should bring theirs to routine dental check-ups so we can check for wear and tear.
To care for your mouthguard, brush it after use or rinse it with an antimicrobial solution to prevent bacteria or fungi buildup.
Meet your Hygienist
Wendy Piercy
EDH . UK
Wendy Piercy brings over 35 years of experience to Surbiton Smile Centre, having qualified as a hygienist from the prestigious Eastman Dental Hospital in London in 1986. Since joining our team in 2002, she has been dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standard of preventive care.
Wendy’s expertise lies in helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. She provides gentle and thorough cleanings and empowers every patient with personalized advice and techniques for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Advanced Diagnostic Tests for Preventive Dentistry
At Surbiton Smile Centre®, we use an advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Preventive System to identify tooth decay risk early. This includes three simple, painless saliva tests—validated by the International Health Care Foundation—that analyze bacteria and saliva quality.
Saliva helps protect teeth by neutralizing acids from bacteria, which can spread through kissing or sharing drinks. If you’re at risk, we offer preventive treatments like sealants and varnishes to stop decay before it starts. Our focus is on prevention and personalized care to keep your smile healthy for life. We look forward to creating your tailored prevention plan at your next visit.
Streptococcus Mutans Test -The second diagnostic test focuses on Streptococcus mutans, a major bacterium responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria stick to teeth by forming a sugary bridge, then produce acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities. The test is quick and painless. We collect a small saliva sample to measure the level of S. mutans in your mouth. Higher levels of this bacterium indicate a greater risk for tooth decay, according to the International Health Foundation.
Lactobacillia Bacteria Test –The third diagnostic test focuses on Lactobacilli, another major bacterium involved in tooth decay. While Streptococcus mutans helps initiate cavities, Lactobacilli are more active in the progression and deepening of existing decay. These bacteria thrive in acidic environments and feed on sugars, producing even more acid that can erode enamel and dentin. The more Lactobacilli present, the faster cavities can grow and worsen over time. To evaluate your risk, we take a small, painless saliva sample and measure the concentration of Lactobacilli. According to the International Health Foundation, a higher count of these bacteria strongly correlates with increased cavity susceptibility. This test helps us understand how aggressively decay may progress in your mouth and allows us to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
