Preventive Dentistry at Yangebup Dental Centre

Initial Consultation
The first people you will meet will be our friendly reception staff, who will ask you to complete a medical form.

Our dentist needs to be aware of your general state of health, as this can often impact upon the condition of your teeth and gums, and may effect medication such as anesthetics and antibiotics we may use for you.

At your consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss any dental concerns you may have or how you would like your teeth improved. Your dentist will give you a full oral assessment to help accurately plan which treatments would be best for the health of your mouth, including all the benefits and risks of each procedure and the costings.
Periodic Examination
The best way to maintain good oral hygiene is to brush and floss your teeth and to visit your dentist regularly. We will not only examine your teeth for signs of decay or damage, we will also look for early signs of gum disease and oral cancer.

We recommend regular 6-monthly dental check-ups to help avoid and identify problems earlier, thus enabling timely treatment.
People who have severe gum disease or a weakened immune system may need to visit the dentist more often.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

During your examination appointment, we will recommend various preventative measures including taking regular X-Rays of your teeth.
Gums - Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease refers to the latest stages of gum disease. This is when the bacteria infection under the gums progresses deeper and affects the bone and tissue supporting the tooth.

If not treated in time, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw will dissolve, making the teeth loose and eventually the teeth will fall out

Periodontal disease is irreversible, but you can slow down the progression by regular visits to the your dentist, and also by improving your oral hygiene at home.

We can advise on how to protect your gums and treat them if signs of periodontal disease are present. 
Bad Breath Solutions
Bad breath (or halitosis) is an unpleasant odour which can occur from time to time or be long lasting due to bacteria on our mouths.

Improving your oral hygiene is the most effective way to eliminate bad breath. Brushing teeth and tongue twice a day using fluoride toothpastes, as well as flossing, will remove the bacteria  which generally removes the odour. 

There are other causes of bad breath for which we can help in our dental practice:
  • infection of the gums ( Periodontal disease )
  • decayed teeth
  • a condition called ‘Dry mouth’ affecting the flow of saliva
Talk to us about bad breath solutions.
Oral Hygiene
In order to keep your gums healthy you need to remove the daily build up of plaque from all the surfaces of your teeth by:
  • Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. 
  • Floss your teeth, as a toothbrush doesn't always reach into the gaps in between the teeth or below the gum line.
  • Do not brush your teeth too hard as this can damage your gums, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct technique
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
If the daily build up of plaque is not removed this can lead to the first stages of gum disease ‘Gingivitis’ - caused by sticky bacteria which are known as ‘plaque’. 

Our dentist can perform Scaling and Polishing generally at 6 month intervals. Plaque and calculus is removed from your teeth, leaving the surface of your teeth smooth and clean, followed by a polish to leave the teeth feeling fresh.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in food and water which helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Everyday plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth attack the enamel causing it to weaken. 

Fluoride treatments are offered to children who have a number of cavities or are at high risk of developing cavities. Adults can benefit too. Fluoride treatment is a very simple process administered by the dentist or dental hygienist which helps to prevent tooth decay.
The teeth will be cleaned to remove any food debris or staining and a high concentrate of fluoride foam or gel is placed into an arch shaped dental tray which is inserted over the teeth and left for the required time. Alternatively, a fluoride varnish is painted on to the tooth surface.
Teeth Grinding Appliances
Teeth grinding is a common occurrence and often happens whilst asleep. Other noticeable effects of grinding (bruxism) are: ear ache, jaw pain, facial and neck pain, sleep disorder, sensitivity to hot and cold drinks.
The most common reason for grinding is when we try and compensate for an imperfect bite. 

What are the consequences of grinding?
As you try to compensate for the imperfect bite you end up biting harder and thus causing damage to the enamel on your teeth, gradually wearing down the tooth itself.

What can be done about it?
The most common solution is the use of a mouth guard to prevent such grinding. This helps reduce the pressure of tooth grinding and prevent further damage to your teeth. Your dentist may also be able make adjustments to your teeth order to achieve a better bite and thus reduce the subconscious effort you are making.

Talk to us about teeth grinding solutions.
Snoring Solutions
Snoring, like all sounds, loud or quiet, is caused by vibrations in the respiratory structures. It occurs during sleep when the area at the back of the throat or in the nose relaxes and narrows. The air movement is then restricted in the air passage, resulting in the sound.
There are many reasons for snoring some of which we can control, some - we can't.

How your dentist can help with snoring?
There are many products on the market to help with snoring, but we can fabricate a device that is custom made for you. It is called a Mandibular Advancement Device and works by holding your lower jaw and tongue forward therefore keeping your airway open whilst you sleep. Please speak to our friendly team for further advice.
Sports Mouthguard
Mouthguards are made from a plastic material called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA is strong and tough and can be easily moulded to fit precisely over your teeth and gums.

Mouthguards are the most effective protective pieces of equipment to help prevent injury to the mouth - protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. A mouthguard does not only protect your mouth, it can also cushion blows to the mouth or jaw therefore preventing damage to the jaw, neck or brain.

Your dentist will take special impressions to create a guard to perfectly fit your mouth, teeth and gums, providing ultimate protection. The procedure is very simple: moulds of both your upper and lower teeth are taken, then the dental laboratory technicians will fabricate your custom made guard. 

Your sports mouth guard will need replacing over time. Just bring it along to your check-ups and your dentist will inspect it for wear and tear.
Your teeth will last for an entire lifetime if you take care of them properly by flossing regularly and getting your dental check-ups.  This is why visiting Dr. Clint Osborne is so valuable in ensuring the health of your teeth and gums. By doing so regularly, it reduces the likelihood for you needing more serious or expensive dental procedures later on.

Contact the professional team at Yangebup Dental Centre today to schedule your regular cleaning or dental checkup. 
Call 9417 9888 or send an appointment request!