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  • Woden Dental care

Preventative Dental Care & Oral Hygiene

Preventative dental care is the foundation of lifelong oral health.

Preventative Dental Care & Oral Hygiene in Woden Valley, Canberra

At Woden Dental Care, our goal is to help patients in Woden Valley and greater Canberra keep their natural teeth healthy for as long as possible through early intervention, education, and professional care. ​

Our experienced dental team takes a preventative, evidence-based approach to identifying and managing dental problems before they become painful, complex, or costly. Regular check-ups and professional hygiene visits play a vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth and overall wellbeing.

Why Preventative Dental Care Matters

Preventative dentistry focuses on stopping dental problems before they start. With routine dental examinations, professional cleans, and personalised oral hygiene advice, we can:

  • Detect tooth decay and gum disease early
  • Reduce the risk of tooth loss and infections
  • Maintain healthy gums and strong teeth
  • Support your overall health and wellbeing

We recommend dental check-ups every six months, unless otherwise advised by your dentist.

What Happens During a Dental Check-Up?

A routine dental check-up at Woden Dental Care typically includes:

  • A thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth
  • Assessment of existing fillings, crowns, and restorations
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Diagnostic X-rays when clinically required

Our dentists focus on early diagnosis, allowing treatment to be more conservative and effective. Patients experiencing pain or swelling may be directed to our Emergency Dental Care services.

Professional Dental Hygiene Services

Good oral hygiene is essential not only for a healthy smile but also for your general health. Our qualified dental hygienists provide professional care to prevent and manage gum disease. During a hygiene appointment, we will:

  • Remove plaque and hardened calculus (tartar)
  • Reduce surface staining for a cleaner, brighter smile
  • Apply fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
  • Assess gum health and check for gingivitis or periodontitis
  • Provide tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and home care

By addressing gum disease early, we can often prevent more advanced dental issues and tooth loss. If gum disease is detected, patients may be referred to our Gum Disease Treatment services.

Oral Hygiene Education & Disease Prevention

Education is a key part of preventative care. We help patients understand how dental disease develops and provide practical guidance to maintain oral health at home. Our goal is to empower patients to:

  • Maintain healthy teeth and gums between visits
  • Reduce the risk of decay and gum disease
  • Support children’s oral health from an early age

Families may also benefit from our Children’s Dentistry services, designed to build healthy habits early.

The Process of Preventative Dental Care at Woden Dental Care

The Comprehensive Examination

The core of the preventative process is the routine check-up, typically recommended every six months. This involves a detailed assessment of your oral health:

  • Visual Inspection: The dentist examines your teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), and abnormalities.

  • Restoration Check: They assess the condition of any existing work, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, to ensure they are intact and functioning correctly.

  • Oral Cancer Screening: A screening of the mouth and tongue is conducted to detect any early pathological changes.

  • Diagnostic X-rays: X-rays are not taken at every visit but are used when clinically necessary (e.g., to see between teeth or check bone levels) to detect issues invisible to the naked eye.

Schedule Your Consultation

Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. At Woden Dental Care, we invite you to schedule a consultation where our clinicians will perform a detailed assessment of your oral health. Book an Appointment Online or call our Phillip surgery at (02) 6282 8558.

Woden Dental Care

Foundation of lifelong oral health.

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FAQs – Preventative Care & Oral Hygiene

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and clean. Some patients with gum disease or higher risk factors may need more frequent visits.

What is the difference between a dental check-up and a hygiene appointment?

A check-up, performed by a dentist, is primarily diagnostic; it focuses on inspecting your entire mouth for signs of decay, oral cancer, or failing restorations, often utilizing X-rays to see beneath the surface. In contrast, a hygiene appointment, typically led by a dental hygienist, is focused on preventative maintenance.

Do I need X-rays at every visit?

No. Dental X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary to detect issues that cannot be seen during a visual examination, such as decay between teeth or bone loss.

Why is gum health so important?

Healthy gums support your teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, making regular hygiene care essential.

Take the next step and schedule an appointment today

  • Schedule your visit online