What is dental care?
Our highly experienced general dentistry team near you in Reading recommend regular check-ups so we can keep a close eye on the health of your teeth and gums.
By spotting any dental issues early, we can address them before they get any worse and avoid the need for more expensive and lengthy treatment.
During a routine examination, we will take a good look inside your mouth, assessing your teeth and gums and surrounding tissues. We will check for signs of:
- Decay
- Damage
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- A misaligned bite
- Enamel erosion
We will ask you whether you have had any problems since your last visit and enquire about your general health.
As well as teaching dental care techniques, we will also offer dietary advice, particularly regarding sugar consumption.
We may discuss your tobacco and alcohol use as these can have an adverse effect on the health of your teeth and gums.
If you are a new patient, your dental examination may take a little longer as we will want to get to know you and your mouth.
If we do detect any problems, we will discuss your options and devise a treatment plan that works for you.
We can offer a full range of treatments to keep your teeth and gums in optimum condition.
Why choose us for general dentistry treatments?
✔️ Over 170 5* Google Business patient reviews
✔️ One of the highest Google Business rated dentists near you in Reading
✔️ One of most established dentists in Reading at over 40 years
✔️ Highly experienced dental team
✔️ Get fantastic results at great prices
✔️ Accepting new patients
✔️ Friendly and modern clinic
What are the benefits of dental care?
Regular examinations mean that your dentist can spot problems and correct them early before the treatment becomes complicated.
A thorough examination helps you and your dentist look after your mouth and prevent future problems. The dentist will explain the options and then you can decide together what will be best for you.
Why is dental care important?
Practicing good dental care is essential to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums as well as your overall health, appearance, and quality of life.
Using oral care best practices such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to ensure good oral health.
Dental care is so important because:
Poor oral health can affect overall health
Your mouth is seen as a vantage point for detecting symptoms of various diseases. Patients with tooth and gum problems have much higher risks of diabetes and heart disease.
Keeping teeth and gums clean can help prevent the risk of wider health complications, hence why it is so important to visit the dentist every 3-6 months.
Dentists can detect oral diseases
Our dentists will examine and evaluate your dental health regularly to detect oral diseases if they arise. Even a regular cleaning with our dental hygienist can help to spot these diseases.
Tooth loss can be prevented
Tooth loss is more common in adults than you might think. Poor dental hygiene is the most common reason for this. The build-up of plaque caused by a lack of brushing and flossing can result in tooth decay and gum infection, which can result in the loss of a tooth.
Whilst brushing and flossing are important, it may not be enough to reduce plaque build-up. To keep your oral hygiene in shape, it is recommended that patients schedule a dental cleaning twice a year to keep their teeth and gums plaque and tartar-free.
An oral treatment plan can be created for you
Everyone’s mouth is different and there is no one-size fits all approach to good oral hygiene. Dental evaluations can help dentists create a specific dental plan for patients, whether it be to reduce the build-up of plaque or the risk of a tooth decay.
You will be more confident in your smile
Good oral hygiene means you can flash those pearly whites with confidence.
What can you expect your dentist to do?
You should expect your dentist to:
- Look at your face and neck to see that they are healthy
- Feel under your jaw
- Look inside your mouth, at your tongue, your cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat (places where there might be a problem that you can’t see or feel)
- Look at your teeth and gums to see whether they are healthy or if there are signs of decay, damage or gum disease (for children, your dentist will also look at tooth and jaw development in case orthodontic treatment might be needed now or later).
- Compare your mouth now with how it was when you last saw them.
- Decide whether they need more information from x-rays or from plaster models showing how your teeth bite together.
- Tell you about any treatment you need, explaining the choices and whether there will be any cost
The examination may take longer if you are seeing a new dentist for the first time.
What are the different types of dental treatment?
Oral health can be a complicated subject, meaning there are many different types of treatments, including:
- Bridges
- Composite Fillings
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Tooth Extraction
- Inlays and Onlays
- Root Canals
- Sealants
- Teeth Whitening
- Veneers
Regular appointments at the dentist will help patients to avoid procedures and detect the need for them.
How much does dental care cost?
Dental care costs can range depending on the types of care required.
Markham Associates offer Denplan payment plans to allow patients to budget efficiently and enable them to afford the care they need.
Who can get free dental care?
Through the NHS, free dental care is available to:
- Under 18’s or U19’s in full-time education
- Pregnant patients or those who have had a baby in the last year
- Those on low-income benefits
- Under 20’s who are dependent on someone receiving low-income benefits
Top tips for great oral hygiene
In between visits to the dentist, it is so important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Be sure to:
- Eat healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables and avoid sugary snacks
- Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco products
- Rinse your mouth with water after all meals
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use a night guard if prone to grinding teeth
- Visit Markham Associates regularly
