General Dentist Balham

If you have a toothache due to an infected tooth, you need to see a dentist. Call the practice and see if we have an emergency appointment available. Emergency appointments are often available on the same day.

If the pain has been going on for more than 2 days and you have a high temperature, bad taste in your mouth, swollen face, red gums or pain when you eat you need to book an emergency appointment to see a dentist.

If you have a dental emergency, do not go to your doctor or pharmacy for dental advice or treatment; they can’t help you, and you need to see a dentist. However, they may be able to give you a list of local dental practices in Wandsworth to contact and ask if the dentist is taking new patients.

If you have a dental emergency and the pain is too much before you see a dentist, pain relief like paracetamol and ibuprofen, which are available at most local shops, can help. Search for the best dentist in Wandsworth and decide where to register as a new patient and which dentist to see.

The pain relief will help the pain until you see the dentist. You can call us to book an appointment, and we will get back to you on the same day.

You can visit the dentist every three months to once a year. During your appointment, we will advise on any further treatment. The frequency of your visits depends on the health of your teeth and gums and your risk of future problems.

At our Balham practice, our dentists assess the health of your teeth and perform an oral cancer screening to check your overall oral health.

A child should visit the dentist by the time they are one or within the first few months of getting their first teeth. Most children get their first teeth around 5-7 months. During this first visit, the dentist will advise you on how to prevent baby bottle decay, manage pacifier or finger-sucking habits, and clean your child’s mouth. After this visit they will advise you on when to book your next appointment.

Brush Your teeth regularly.

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss, or use Tepe brushes once a day to clean between each tooth. Tepe brushes are small brushes that clean between teeth, around crowns, fillings, implants, and braces. Their shape allows them to reach places regular toothbrushes can’t.

Brush your tongue at least twice a day, too. To boost your oral hygiene, you can also use good-quality mouthwash at separate times from brushing.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

A healthy diet can help prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. Healthy teeth need a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.

One thing to remember is that the frequency of sugar consumption matters more than the amount. Don’t snack between meals, and drink water whenever you can.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay. This is a common practice to prevent cavities and other oral problems.

Fluoride is a mineral found in water and soil. It helps prevent decay by strengthening the enamel and creating a layer on the tooth’s surface. Fluoride also reduces plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath.

Visiting the dental clinic for regular dental exams, which are part of general dentistry services, helps detect tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems at an early stage when they are easier to treat. During these exams, your dentist will advise you on various treatments, including cosmetic dentistry procedures and emergency dental care when needed. These visits educate patients on caring for their teeth and gums.

Because your mouth reflects your overall health, examining your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat can give you valuable information about your well-being. Regular dental exams can detect problems before they become big and require more extensive procedures and dental care.
Several medical conditions can be identified through a dental checkup, such as:

• Cancer
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease

A comprehensive dental checkup includes:

1. Oral Health and Overall Mouth Condition:

The dentist will check the general condition of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue and throat.

2. Teeth and Gums:

Each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue will be checked for decay, damage or disease.

3. Treatment, Exams or X-rays:

If needed, the dentist will perform specific treatments, exams, or X-rays to obtain a better view of the problem that is not visible during the regular checkup.

4. Ask About Your Daily Habits and Get Tips:

The dentist will ask about your daily oral hygiene routine and give tips on diet, smoking, drinking and cleaning techniques to improve your oral health.

5. Schedule Your Next Visit:

The dentist will recommend when you should return for your next visit, based on your oral needs. This can be three months to one year.

Yes, they are safe and help oral health. Although they emit radiation, the exposure is very low and is safe for adults and children. Regular X-ray images are important to detect problems, such as an infection that cannot be seen during a regular dental exam, and to maintain and improve oral health.

Example – Although symptoms of an affected tooth may be present, they are the only way to know if the infection has reached the tooth’s centre and affected the soft tissue called pulp.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are trained to work with dentists to provide patient care and can assist with your treatment plan. Many are qualified as both hygienists and therapists. They are important in maintaining oral health.