Importance of dental hygiene:
The mouth is the “gateway to the body”. The importance of a healthy mouth cannot be emphasised enough as it ultimately leads to a general state of well being.
Regular hygiene appointments are therefore paramount to your overall wellbeing. An oral examination reveals a lot more than just the health of the mouth and a dental hygienist will screen for dental disease and oral cancers – particularly important now that we understand the links between the health of the mouth and the rest of our body.
Did you know, for example, that there are distinct links between poor gum health and heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease in particular?
On a more local level maintaining good dental hygiene is just as important as maintaining a low sugar diet and visits to the hygienist should be attended alongside visits to the dentist’s chair. This is because healthy teeth cannot survive without healthy gums and regular routine visits to the dental hygienist will reduce your chances of developing gum disease and other wider health issues.
The role of plaque:
- Plaque which is the bacterial film that forms on our teeth daily can lead to bleeding gums inflammation, periodontal disease, unsightly stains and bad breath if not cleaned as thoroughly.
- The frequent removal of plaque is of immense importance and often requires efficient and regular professional cleaning and our dental hygienists are perfectly placed to help in your endeavours.
We would recommend you visit our hygienists at least once every six months or more frequently for more ‘at risk’ individuals. With your continued diligent efforts in maintaining a high level of oral hygiene plus a regular visit to our team of professional dental hygienists – you can maintain confidence in the health of your teeth and gums.
Role of Dental the Hygienist:
Hygienists are specifically qualified to help you address any oral health concerns and maintain healthy gums and teeth. They offer a professional clean, advice on effective at-home hygiene regimes and give lifestyle and diet advice to promote good oral health and prevent tooth decay, which can also help eliminate any malodour caused by bacteria.
Our hygienists:
Provide a professional clean to keep against plaque and decay at bay
Identify any problems that may require a dentist’s attention
Provide dietary and lifestyle advice
- Offer smoking cessation tips
- Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Help care for your children’s teeth
- Recommend approved home care products and demonstrate appropriate techniques to help us find effective cleaning ‘tools’ tailored to meet the needs of our mouth.
Thorough brushing and interdental cleaning has cosmetic and health benefits and helps keep your teeth stain free. Our hygienists are here to help you and your family develop a thorough home care routine.
Type of Dental hygiene services we offer at the practice:
There are broadly 3 levels of dental hygiene service we deliver at the practice:
Maintenance Hygiene: This is suitable for everyone but usually for those without active periodontal (gum disease) who need a regular professional clean – (or scale and polish) that will remove sticky tartar and shift stubborn and unwanted stains that develop regularly while polishing the teeth to make them sparkle so not only will it feel great to have smooth teeth and a fresh mouth; your smile will be brighter too. These appointments are usually 30 mins in duration and we would recommend having this service carried out every 3,4 or 6 monthly depending on the individual.
Click here if you would like to book in for a maintenance hygiene
Airflow stain removal: This is also suitable for everyone but particularly those who have quite an extensive staining. Air polishing is a treatment that can naturally whiten teeth, by blasting away extrinsic stains that have been caused by coffee, tea, red wine and nicotine and even certain medications.
We use Airflow stain removal, a treatment that uses the latest technology to gently remove surface stains with air, water and a specialist fine powder that work together to brighten and refresh a smile.
Similar to a ‘jet wash’, fine particles of specially formulated powders blast stains and debris from deep between the teeth and on the tooth surfaces.
The system is particularly effective around filling margins and will remove heavy surface stains and discolouration quickly and gently, leaving teeth looking whiter.
Airflow is ideal if you are thinking about subtle teeth whitening, as the teeth are left clean to help maximise the effectiveness of the procedure.
The benefits of Airflow® tooth polishing:
- Airflow® tooth polishing is a good option for patients with sensitive teeth.
- The treatment triggers your tooth enamel to remineralise, helping to reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Minimal discomfort, if any at all.
- Thorough method of teeth cleaning – your hygienist is able to reach particular areas of the mouth with more ease.
If you are looking to add that extra sparkle to your smile click here or request Airflow stain removal by calling us on 01494792810
Treatment for gum disease
For those with active gum disease (which can, unfortunately, lead to the eventual loss of teeth) also known as periodontal disease – a slightly different method of cleaning known as “deep cleaning” is required in order to help remove the disease gum tissue and bacterial deposits and help stabilise the spread of this disease. The hygienist is able to offer treatment for this condition which will need to be done under local anaesthetic and is usually a treatment course that needs between 2-4 visits to treat depending on the severity. Each visit is usually 45-60mins in duration. After the course of gum disease therapy, the patient can revert back to a maintenance or airflow regime as mentioned above.
If you think you may have gum (periodontal) disease please book in to see one of our clinicians who will be able to diagnose and advise on the best way forwards to help save your teeth.
