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Preventive Dentistry
Dental Check-Ups & Cleans for Families

Preventive dentistry aims to keep problems from occurring. Dental exams, cleans, sealants, fluoride and mouthguards are some of the services we offer.

Preventative Dentistry in fairfield VIC
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Dental Cleanings & Exams in Fairfield VIC

Preventative Dentistry in Hampton and Bayside VICProudly Offering Preventive Dentistry in Fairfield and the Melbourne area.

Creating a healthy foundation is one of the best ways to protect the future of your smile. Each of our preventive services is designed to help our Fairfield, VIC patients prevent disease, preserve healthy teeth and enjoy better overall health.

Dental Cleans

Professional cleanings at our Fairfield, VIC dental surgeries allow us to remove decay and gum disease-causing bacteria from your smile. Over time, plaque begins to accumulate and calcify over the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum lines. These deposits cannot be cleaned away with regular brushing and flossing. Instead, our hygienists will gently scale away the deposits to provide your teeth with a clean surface area that promotes healthy gum attachment.

Once we thoroughly clean the teeth, we will polish them to remove any surface stains. We will also discuss a customised oral hygiene plan as needed to improve your oral care between visits.

Dental Exams and Check-Ups

We understand that our patients want to feel involved in their own dentistry planning process. Should one of our dentists identify any concerns or areas that require treatment, we will make these visible through our intraoral camera or digital x-rays on an in-room monitor.

This improves our ability to relay vital information to you, so you can make an educated choice about your dental treatment plan.

Minimising Care Needs

Prolonging your dental check-up can make early detection and early intervention of areas of concern difficult. That with early intervention may have been easier to treat, may now require extensive therapy; such as endodontic treatment or oral surgery.

Through regularly scheduled exams, we can pinpoint concerns while they are smaller and simpler to correct. This not only reduces your out-of-pocket expenses, but it also maximises the health and integrity of your natural teeth. During a check-up at our Fairfiled, VIC dental clinic, we will screen for conditions such as:

  • Oral cancerteeth cleans in fairfield vic
  • Bone loss
  • Periodontal disease
  • Cavities
  • Oral manifestations of systemic diseases
  • TMJ disorder
  • Occlusal anomalies

We recommend that most healthy patients receive preventive care every six months. If it has been longer since you received a dental exam or clean, call us at either of our locations in Melbourne. We are never judgmental about your oral health. We strive to help you achieve a healthy smile you feel proud to show off.

Fissure Sealants

What if you could protect your teeth from cavities by blocking out the bacteria that cause them? That’s precisely what pit and fissure sealants at our Fairfield, VIC dental clinics are designed to do.

Dental sealants coat the deep pits and grooves that naturally form in your teeth. These areas are more susceptible to tooth decay because they are so difficult to keep clean. By protecting them, acids and bacteria are unable to cause cavities in those areas.

Improve Oral Health

Toothbrush bristles are too wide to clean the microscopic pits and grooves of your teeth. After placing a sealant over these grooves, toothbrushing can efficiently and effectively remove plaque and bacteria from the sealed tooth.

Sealants Offer Non-Invasive Protection

Sealants at our Melbourne clinic are non-invasive protective restorations that do not require tooth alteration in order for them to be placed. There are no drills, lasers or special instruments needed. The material is simply brushed onto the tooth and bonds directly with the microscopic pores of tooth enamel.

Simple. Easy. Effective.

Placing sealants on your or your child’s teeth is a straightforward process that takes only a few minutes per tooth. First, the tooth is cleaned and conditioned to optimise the bonding process. Then the sealant material is brushed onto the tooth and dried with a bright curing light. Once fully hardened, you can chew on the tooth normally without any discomfort or sensitivity.

Fissure sealants can be completed during your cleaning appointment or during a short visit to our dental clinic. 

Fluoride Application and Remineralisation

Weak tooth enamel is susceptible to cavities. And when it comes to children, primary (baby) teeth are even more at risk for decay. After your, or your child's professional dental clean, we will apply a concentrated fluoride gel to your teeth. Fluoride at our Fairfield, VIC dental clinics is used to remineralise the tooth enamel, making it resistant to external stimulants.

Fighting against Tooth Decay 

Cavities are a result of tooth demineralisation. If caught early enough, you might be able to avoid a filling. The remineralisation of the enamel makes the tooth strong again and more resistant to tooth decay. Even if your tooth is perfectly healthy, additional fluoride can keep it strong and reduce the chances of cavities at a later point.

Tooth Sensitivity Management

Tooth sensitivity can be extremely uncomfortable for patients of our Melbourne dental clinc. Some people have naturally sensitive teeth while others experience sensitivity from issues such as exposed root surfaces, whitening treatments and large fillings.

Applying fluoride varnish to the teeth and exposed root surfaces can effectively manage most causes of tooth sensitivity for up to three months. It does this by encouraging crystal development within the pores of the teeth, blocking off hypersensitive nerves. The effects are usually evident on the very same day, making remineralising treatments an excellent way to also manage sensitivity.

We apply fluoride varnish to each tooth with a small brush. Varnish has the potential to cling to the tooth surface for several hours, providing extended benefits all day long, until you brush your teeth. We typically request that our patients do not brush or floss for at least three to four hours after their remineralisation treatment. The slightly sticky texture can be felt on the teeth, ensuring our patients that the treatment is still working.

Children's Remineralising Treatment

As teeth are developing, the enamel uses minerals and vitamins as tooth structure begins to calcify. Fluoride is one of the most vital minerals, as a lack of it can cause weak primary and permanent teeth. With the right amount of fluoride, teeth can be stronger and last longer.

Applying fluoride to your child at each check-up at our Fairfield, VIC dental clinics can limit the dental problems that they have later on. It’s just as essential as brushing, flossing and preventive cleans. Keeping your child’s teeth stronger will give them a reason to smile in the years to come.

Athletic Mouthguards

Mouthguards are one of the best ways to protect your child’s smile. Children who are involved in sporting activities are most prone to accidental injuries and fractures, especially concerning the upper front teeth.

What makes our mouthguards so unique is the custom fit process. Unlike store-bought trays, our mouth guards will:

  • Fit snuggly over the teeth
  • Allow your child to speak and drink while wearing the guard
  • Stay in place should trauma occur
  • Help protect against concussions
  • Protect the gums against lacerations

Store-bought trays fit loosely over the teeth, which makes them uncomfortable and more prone to being removed during the activity. Because of this, they easily fall out if an accident occurs, preventing the mouthguard from protecting from secondary trauma.

How Are Mouthguards Made?

To make a mouthguard, we take an impression of your child’s teeth. This impression is then used to create a model of his or her mouth, which we in turn use to create a form-fitting, colourful mouthguard.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Accidents usually happen when you least expect them, especially for active children. Mouthguards may be required for some sport teams or organised athletic activities. At our Bayside, VIC dental clinics, we recommend wearing a mouthguard whether you are a gymnast, bicyclist, football player or anything in-between.

As your child’s smile changes over time, it will be necessary to update their mouthguard to have one that fits properly. Sparkle Dental Care at Bayside or Fairfield are always here whenever you need us, helping you protect your smile for an entire lifetime. 

For more information on mouthguards for your child, speak to our friendly team by calling us today at Sparkle Dental Care.

Make an appointment online or call us to learn more.

Give us a call to arrange an appointment at either of our locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your teeth should generally be brushed twice a day, (morning and night). This is to reduce plaque and bacteria accumulated from food and drinks throughout the day. Don’t forget to floss once a day to reduce risk of dental cavities and gum disease/infection from occurring between the teeth!

FUN FACT: Flossing covers 40% of the tooth surface.

With the never ending number of options available, (even within the same brand) it is no wonder the choice can be confusing!

What Goes into a Good Toothpaste

From a dentist’s perspective the main purpose of toothpaste is to act as a carrier for the mineral fluoride. The topical use of fluoride assists with the rebuilding of teeth which have been weakened by bacteria. This in turn reduces the incidence of decay and dental cavities. It therefore stands that any toothpaste that contains fluoride is suitable for the job!

Other components which make up toothpastes may include antibacterial agents and components which give the user the sensation of a fresh mouth e.g. fresh taste and foaming agents. Toothpastes that purport whitening effects may have more abrasive particles to assist with removal of stains. Whilst toothpastes such as sensodyne, have particles that assist with decreasing sensitivity. 

For certain patients at greater risk of decay, the dentist may advise toothpastes with a higher concentration of fluoride.

Best Toothpaste for Children

When it comes to children, it is imperative that a toothpaste specific for their age is used. These toothpastes contain less fluoride. In children where adult teeth are still developing, excess fluoride can result in weak and deformed teeth e.g. hypomineralisation. This is where age specific toothpastes come in handy – they help decrease the rate of decay but are less likely to damage developing teeth.

Here at Sparkle Dental Care we recommend you choose a toothpaste that you and your family are comfortable using. If you are having difficulties navigating around the abundance of choice, have specific intolerances or concerns we are always happy to assist!

 

In order to maintain optimal dental health, it is recommended that you see your dentist/hygienist every six months for a routine dental check-up. In some cases, (e.g. patients in certain risk categories) more frequent visits may be suggested. 

Regular attendance to the dentist assists with two core principles of dentistry – maintenance and prevention.

What Happens at a Dental Examination?

These appointments enable yourself and the dentist to maintain the current health of your oral cavity. For example, a scale and clean (which is usually included in these appointments) assists in decreasing the bacterial load on your gums. Without this treatment, conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can run rampant and lead to irreversible future outcomes.

Early detection of dental conditions is also a priority. The sooner a possible concern is detected, the more chance there is to prevent negative outcomes. For example, individualised oral hygiene instructions aim to assist in decreasing gum disease and the formation of dental cavities. Regular soft tissue assessments help with early detection of lesions including oral cancers. Early diagnosis of tooth decay may prevent treatments such as root canal therapy or even loss of tooth. 

Dental Exams in Hampton and Fairfield

There is much to gain from attending dental maintenance appointments. Our belief at Sparkle Dental Care Fairfield and Hampton is that prevention, is the best way to maintain dental health as well as a healthy body and healthy life!

 

We recommend in both our Fairfield and Hampton clinics that usually every six months is advisable to have your dental cleaning. Call us for a dental appointment if it has been more than six to twelve months.

Man at the Dentist | Dental AppointmentWhen You Arrive

We request that you bring any insurance cards and a photo ID with you to our Fairfield or Hampton dental clinics. There will be a few forms for you to fill out to help us better understand your oral health needs.

What to Expect

During your first visit you will discuss your concerns with one of our dentists, who will also review your medical and dental history with you. If necessary, we will also take a few digital x-rays to assess your bone levels and screen for cavities. You may also elect to have your teeth cleaned at this visit.

What Comes First?

Book your first appointment by calling either of our dental offices in Hampton, VIC or Fairfield, VIC. One of our patient coordinators will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you might have.

Meet Our Dentists:

Picture of Dr Kai Xu

Dr Kai Xu BDSc (Melb)

Dr. Kai Xu graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 2004. With a deep commitment to excellence, he has gained extensive experience in all ...

Dr Ari Barr BDSc (Melb)
Dentist

 

Ari earned his Bachelor of Dentistry degree in 2010. Since then, he has gained extensive experience working in both private practices and the public sector across various locations in Victoria. ...

Dr Cici Feng BHSc(Dent), MDent (La Trobe)
Dentist

Dr. Cici Huang Feng graduated with a Master of Dentistry from La Trobe University and has gained extensive experience caring for patients across diverse clinical settings, ...

Yvette Ding | Fairfield Dental Clinic

Ms Yvette Ding OHT (Melb)
Oral Health Therapist

Yvette began her career as an Oral Health Therapist after earning her Bachelor of Oral Health from the University of Melbourne in 2008. Since graduating, she has gained extensive experience ...

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Athletic Mouthguards May Help Prevent Injuries
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