Hygiene
Regular visits to the hygienist will protect your smile from gum disease and other issues caused by bacteria. On top of your oral health regime at home, hygiene appointments maintain a healthy smile through a thorough clean and gum health assessment.
At Distinctive Dentistry, we have a fantastic team of hygienists who work together with their patients to keep their gums as healthy as possible.
Why are hygiene appointments important?
Hygienists clear away plaque and tartar deposits on the surfaces of your teeth, removing the bacteria that leads to your gums becoming irritated and swollen. This prevents gum disease from developing. As gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK, hygiene appointments can protect your smile and help you keep your natural smile for longer.
Bleeding gums are a route for bacteria to enter the blood stream, negatively impacting your overall health. Poor gum health has links to heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
What is gum disease?
Bacteria in plaque, when close to the gum line, can lead to the gum tissues reacting and becoming inflamed. This stage of gum disease is a immune system reaction to the bacteria so if the plaque and tartar is removed, the symptoms are relieved as a result. This stage is known as gingivitis and hygienists are able to easily reverse the condition through a thorough clean.
If left untreated however, gingivitis can lead to a more aggressive stage, periodontitis. At this point, the gums begin to recede and form pockets between the gum and the tooth root. This creates vulnerable areas for plaque to form, making it harder to keep your mouth bacteria free. If left, this condition can cause teeth to become unstable, leading to tooth loss.
What is involved in a hygiene appointment?
The main part of the hygiene appointment involves a scale and polish. Using a focused jet of water, or hand scaler, the hygienist loosens up tartar deposits on the surfaces of the teeth. With a special paste of fine grit, the teeth are then polished, leaving them smooth and silky.
Hygienists will also check all your gums for signs of gingivitis and focus on areas that are affected by the condition. They will also give you help and advice on how to maintain your healthy gums at home, such as how best to floss.
We recommend that you see your hygienist once every six months, however it does depend on your case. We may need to see you more regularly if necessary, or less frequently if your gums are in top shape.
