Preventative dental care
Preventative dentistry is a group of treatments performed with a single purpose: to prevent dental disease and damage from occurring to the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth and jaw.
When you focus on preventing dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, and protecting your teeth from damage through sports and stress-related grinding, you are more likely to enjoy lifelong oral health.
The friendly team of dental professionals at Richmond Road Dental is here to help you every step of the way.
How does preventative dentistry work?
Preventing dental disease and damage involves:
- identifying any issues that may be present in or around the mouth
- taking action to prevent them from causing any further damage.
Here at Richmond Road Dental, our preventative program begins with a thorough dental check-up. You can learn more about how we do check-ups (and why we are so meticulous) on our dental check-up and cleaning page.
The prevention of dental diseases and damage takes many different forms. Because every patient’s needs are unique, we tailor our preventative dental program to suit each person.
An individual’s preventative dental care program may include:
- daily home-based dental care – brushing and flossing
- minimising the consumption of foods and drinks that can damage the teeth (sugary, acidic, or ultra-processed foods)
- professional application of fluoride and other therapeutic gels
- regular professional cleaning
- custom sports mouthguards
- custom nightguards
- the placement of fissure sealants.
What dental issues can be avoided or minimised through preventative dentistry?
When you apply the principles of preventative dentistry at home and are supported by a team that values preventative care, you’re more likely to avoid developing the following oral health problems:
- inadequate oral hygiene technique
- periodontitis (gum disease)
- dental decay
- broken or fractured teeth or existing fillings
- signs of wear from grinding or acids
- dental infections (either of the gums or the teeth)
- malalignment of the teeth or disruptions of the bite
- oral cancer
- airway issues
- jaw disorders.
What’s more, your general health will benefit too!
Our dentists can advise you on the best way to treat any existing issues and give you thorough advice on preventing future problems.
Important to know
- This page contains general information about preventative dentistry. It cannot replace individualised advice from your dental practitioner. Please consult your dentist for specific recommendations about your oral health and necessary treatments.
Make an appointment to speak with one of our dentists.
If you’d like to start your preventative dental journey with Richmond Road Dental, please make an appointment with our friendly reception team.
Resources about preventative dentistry
Learn more about preventing tooth decay
- Three tips to prevent tooth decay (Opens in a new tab) – Read this article on the website of the Australian Dental Association.
- Fluoride (Opens in a new tab) – Read this article on the website of the Australian Dental Association.
Preventative dentistry videos
Pro tips for better brushing
A short animated video about brushing from the Australian Dental Association. (Playing time 1 minute, 44 seconds)
Pro tips for better flossing
A short animated video about flossing from the Australian Dental Association. (Playing time 1 minute, 38 seconds)
Tooth decay and preventive treatment
This video about oral health has been produced in Auslan (Australian sign language) and simple English. (Playing time: 14 minutes, 39 seconds)
Downloadable fact sheets about preventative dentistry
Download these helpful information sheets
- Dental decay and oral care – an information sheet by Richmond Road Dental (downloadable)
- Tips for brushing teeth – an information sheet by the Australian Dental Association
- Tips for cleaning between teeth – an information sheet by the Australian Dental Association
