Preventative Dentistry

A thorough dental check-up is the backbone of preventive care. During your visit at Bradbury Dental Surgery, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and the soft tissues of your mouth. We use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to catch things that aren't visible to the naked eye, like decay between teeth or bone loss below the gum line.

We also screen for oral cancer at every check-up. Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless, but they can catch early signs that make a real difference in treatment outcomes.

Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque and tartar still build up in spots your toothbrush can't reach. A professional scale and clean removes that buildup, especially along the gum line and between teeth.
 

Our dental hygienists use ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to remove hardened tartar without damaging your enamel. After scaling, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth out tiny rough patches where bacteria like to hide.

 

Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. We apply a concentrated fluoride varnish after your cleaning, which is especially beneficial for children, teenagers, and adults who are prone to cavities.
 

The treatment takes about two minutes and there's no discomfort involved. For children, fluoride treatments are often covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides a two-year period for preventive and basic dental services.
 

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common dental conditions in Campbelltown, and it often develops without any obvious symptoms in its early stages. Mild gum disease (gingivitis) causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting your teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
 

What many people don't realise is that gum disease doesn't just affect your mouth. Research has found links between periodontal disease and other serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Keeping your gums healthy is part of keeping your whole body healthy.

At Bradbury Dental Surgery, we assess your gum health at every visit and provide professional gum disease treatment with deep cleaning (root planing and scaling) when needed.

Good oral hygiene at home is what keeps your teeth and gums healthy between visits. Brushing and flossing properly makes a bigger difference than most people realise, and small changes to your daily routine can prevent problems before they start.
 

At Bradbury Dental Surgery, we take the time to show you the right techniques for your situation. That might mean correcting your brushing angle, recommending an interdental brush for tight gaps, or suggesting a different toothbrush if your gums are sensitive. We'll also talk through diet, smoking, and other habits that affect your oral health.
 

Oral cancer screening is a standard part of every check-up at Bradbury Dental Surgery. Your dentist examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of your mouth, palate, and throat for any unusual lumps, sores, or discoloured patches. Early detection makes a massive difference. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected early is around 84%, compared to just 39% when caught late.
 

The chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars) have tiny grooves and pits called fissures. Food particles and bacteria get trapped in those grooves, and they're tough to clean properly with a toothbrush.
 

Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings that we paint onto those chewing surfaces. They create a smooth barrier that blocks bacteria and food from settling into the grooves. Sealants are particularly effective for children and teenagers whose permanent molars have just come through.

If you or your kids play contact sports (rugby, AFL, basketball, martial arts), a custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make. Over-the-counter mouthguards from the pharmacy are better than nothing, but they don't fit properly and can actually make jaw injuries worse.
 

We take impressions of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits perfectly, stays in place during activity, and lets you breathe and speak normally. Custom mouthguards reduce the risk of chipped teeth, fractures, and soft tissue injuries significantly.

Do you grind your teeth at night? You might not even know you are doing it. Signs include jaw pain or stiffness in the morning, worn-down teeth, headaches, and cracked or chipped tooth enamel. Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects roughly 10-13% of adults in Australia.
 

An occlusal splint is a custom-made oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. It cushions your teeth and prevents them from grinding against each other. It also helps relax your jaw muscles and can reduce TMJ-related pain and headaches.