Keeping your teeth and gums in great condition
Hygiene appointments will help prevent gum disease and dental decay. While your oral care routine at home does most of the work when it comes to removing plaque from your teeth, a professional clean will help remove any build up. Hygienists are trained in cleaning away plaque and tartar deposits, protecting your smile from bacteria.
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Why are hygiene appointments important?
Gum disease, if left untreated, can cause gums to recede and can be a contributing factor to tooth loss. As gum disease also has links to health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, keeping your gums as healthy as possible will help your overall health as well.
The symptoms of gum disease are mild, so it is often overlooked. We carry out a check during the appointment to spot gum disease, putting us in a position to catch it before it can worsen.
What is gum disease?
If plaque build-ups around the gum line aren’t removed, the gum tissues start to get inflamed. Swollen, red gums are the hallmark for the early stage of gum disease, gingivitis. The irritated gums bleed while brushing, making them vulnerable to the bacteria that’s present in the mouth.
If gingivitis is left untreated and the tartar deposits left at the gum line, the gums start to recede as a result. This leads to pockets developing between the gum and the tooth, exposing the sensitive and vulnerable tooth root. Once plaque and tartar build up on the root, it’s much harder to remove. This part of gum disease is called periodontitis and isn’t reversible like the earlier stage. It can be managed by a dentist or periodontist through more extensive periodontal treatment.
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What happens during a hygiene appointment?
At the start of your appointment, we ask you a little about your oral care routine at home and if you have any areas of concern. We also ask about your overall general health.
The main part of your hygiene appointment involves a routine scale and polish. During the deep clean, we remove stubborn tartar from all the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. We then professionally polish your teeth, leaving them feeling smoother, cleaner and brighter.
To finish, we will give you some advice on how to properly care for your teeth and gums. We can show you how to use interdental cleaning tools properly so you can keep up the hard work at home.
Book a hygiene appointment todayFrequently asked questions
Will dental hygiene treatment hurt?
- Often the anticipation of going to the dentist or dental hygienist is much worse than the actual visit. Listening to people with past bad dental experiences heightens anxiety. However, we aim to create a calm and relaxed environment. There can be an element of discomfort, and sometimes tooth sensitivity can be experienced. We will ensure you know what to expect before any treatment. We will also be guided by you and if you feel any pain, we will stop immediately to give you a break.
How often should I see the hygienist?
- The length of time you should leave between your hygiene appointments will depend on your individual case and the condition of your teeth. Many patients book a hygiene visit alongside their dental check up, every six months, but we may advise you to come back more or less frequently than this if it suits your case.
What is gum disease?
- If plaque builds up around the teeth and gum line, the gum tissues can become inflamed. The irritated gums often bleed while brushing, making them susceptible to the bacteria in the mouth. Swollen, red gums are often one of the first signs of the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Other symptoms include tooth sensitivity and bad breath. If left untreated, this gingivitis can progress to a more severe form of the condition, periodontitis. This isn’t reversible but is manageable with effective treatment.
What are the stages of gum disease?
- The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can cause gums to separate from the teeth, creating pockets that can get infected. These pockets, over time, will deepen, the gums will continue to recede, and eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.