Dental Hygiene
Your gums are the foundation of your teeth and are vital to their health, stability and longevity.
Teeth will gradually build-up plaque and calculus over time. This plaque and calculus buildup can cause problems if left:
● Bad breath
● Gum disease
● Gum recession
● Tooth decay
● Unsightly appearance
● Bad taste
Once plaque hardens on the teeth and becomes calculus it isn’t possible to brush it off and you need a professional clean.
Untreated, plaque and tartar will erode the teeth and gums, causing the gums to
recede (pull away), opening up pockets for food, plaque and bacteria to collect –
which leads to gum disease.
Regular preventive dental care at the practice, good home dental hygiene and
healthy lifestyle choices ensure optimal oral health. You can potentially lower the risk of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Good dental hygiene also contributes to a bright, natural smile.
FAQ’s:
The clinician will carry out a thorough scaling/cleaning of your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar build up in those areas brushing cannot reach, perform a polish to remove any superficial stains on your teeth.
They will offer tailored advice on how to maintain good dental health and
demonstrate techniques you can use at home.
Routine treatments are usually not painful. We aim for all our procedures to be pain-free as possible. Patients with poor dental hygiene may experience more pain than others for the first few sessions of cleaning. Sometimes anxiety can lead to more discomfort as well. Understanding these reasons can help address the discomfort and lead to a more comfortable experience.
Visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can make the cleaning sessions less intensive and less likely to cause discomfort. It allows for early detection of potential issues like cavities, which can then be addressed before they lead to pain.
If you have sensitive teeth, using the desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash can help reduce sensitivity. There are also professional treatments your dentist can provide, such as topical agents that help to temporarily numb the area.
We would advise to wait for around 30 minutes before eating or drinking especially if you had the fluoride varnish applied to reduce sensitivity.
No, We advise not to smoke for at least 72 hours post hygiene appointment especially after a deep clean session. Smoking reduces the healing capacity of the gums by reducing blood supply to the gums.
Whilst patients with a history of good dental hygiene can usually expect to visit the hygienist every 6 months, patients who have had dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, implants, bridges or dentures should plan to have more regular hygienist appointments.
In addition to this if patients have or have had gum disease (periodontitis) leading to bone loss, should plan hygienist visits more frequently. This will be discussed with you when we assess you at your initial visit.
The hormonal changes and fluctuations which occur during pregnancy can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This means that gums can become swollen,red and tender and may bleed during brushing or flossing. For this reason, it is highly recommended to visit your dentist and hygienist more frequently during pregnancy.
