The obvious importance of good oral hygiene and correct diet is nowadays supplemented with orthodontics to straighten teeth and, more and more frequently, measures to prevent excessive grinding (bruxism). Lastly, a check-up with the dentist at least once a year will detect any problems at an early stage and minimise eventual treatment.
Oral hygiene is in itself a vast subject with an enormous, and sometimes confusing, choice of brushes, toothpastes, interdental cleaning devices, mouth washes and related gadgets. The essential idea is to efficiently remove dental plaque especially between teeth (basically this means flossing or using interdental brushes). But often patients are concerned about ‘receding gums’ when in reality the problem is incorrect and aggressive brushing causing tooth abrasion. Orthodontics now joins the other preventive therapies as correctly positioned teeth will be easier to clean and with less risk of traumatic brushing.
Most people unconsciously grind or clench their jaws, usually while sleeping. When this becomes too forceful three problems can arise - either the teeth simply wear down (this is particularly noticeable when front teeth start to shorten), or teeth already compromised by periodontal (gum) disease will become mobile or, in the case of back teeth, fractures can occur (cracked tooth syndrome). The latter is particularly difficult to diagnose and treat and may even result in an extraction. A simple way to prevent this is a night guard - a thin acrylic shield which covers the teeth during sleep.
Prevention forms a major part of the services offered by Dr. Francis Haley, an English general dental practitioner based in Cascais near Lisbon. After graduating from Guy’s Hospital, University of London, Dr. Haley spent over 20 years in his practice in Paris. During this period he participated in numerous postgraduate studies, notably in implant surgery and periodontics. Since moving to Portugal in 2003 he continues with further studies - at the moment with perfecting treatment using a microscope. Consult the clinic’s website for more information.

For more information, Tel: 214863012 or visit: http://clinic.cdhaley.pt