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Dental Hygiene Treatment |
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Plaque
Plaque is a term that describes the film of bacteria which is
constantly forming on the surface, and between, teeth. If left
in place, it causes tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque
has been present for several days it can combine with calcium
from saliva, to form tartar (calculus) a hard deposit, which
typically forms behind the lower teeth.Tartar can also be
hidden deep below the gum.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is defined as inflammation of the tissues that
support the teeth.The effect of this inflammation, over a
period of time, is to cause the gums to recede. Recession
occurs not only on the outside but also invisibly on the inside
where the gum meets the tooth. In this way recession can
cause pockets to develop between the teeth and gums.
Bacteria accumulates inside pockets and accelerates the
disease process. Diseased or inflamed gums bleed when
they are brushed or flossed, but healthy gums do not bleed.
Gum problems usually begin without any initial symptoms
that's why it's important to have both your teeth and gums
regularly checked. Once problems start they can progress at
an increased rate, with damage occurring over a relatively
short period of time.
When gum disease is in the early stages it is called gingivitis.
The more advanced form, when inflammation reaches the
bone, is called periodontitis, which, if untreated can eventually
result in tooth loss.
Who suffers from gum disease?
Almost everybody has some gum inflammation but we all
react differently to the presence of plaque and tartar on the
teeth.This means that some of us suffer quite badly from gum
recession even though there is little plaque or tartar present.
Generally, the cleaner your teeth are and the less plaque and
tartar you have, the less gum disease you will have. Factors
such as smoking, use of prescription medication or poor
health can cause an increased risk of gum problems.Your
dentist or hygienist will be able to advise you about this.
Incorrect tooth brushing can also damage the teeth and cause
recession of the gums.The hygienist is trained to spot the telltale
signs of incorrect brushing and to help you correct the
daily routine.
How do I prevent gum disease?
Healthy gums are the support for healthy teeth. Lifelong
protection for both teeth and gums starts with regular dental
examinations and hygiene visits. 80% of adults have gum
disease to some degree and everybody needs advice on oral
healthcare.
Thorough tooth cleaning each day will prevent plaque from
building up in sufficient amounts to cause damage to teeth
and gums. Brushing can remove plaque on the front and back
surfaces of the teeth and aids such as floss, tape or interdental
brushes can remove plaque from between the teeth.The
hygienist will demonstrate brushing techniques, the use of
floss and other devices and will help choose the right
products. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed
by a hygienist or dentist.
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A good oral hygiene routine at home is the most important
factor in preventing gum disease, but your needs will differ as
time passes and the mouth changes, so you'll need new oral
care techniques during different phases of life.The hygienist
will monitor your oral health and provide the most
appropriate advice.
The hygienist visit
The hygienist will assess your gums and teeth, checking for any
swelling or inflammation and for any bleeding. Measurements
of where the gum attaches to the tooth (pockets) may also
be taken.The hygienist will then carefully remove the tartar
using manual or ultrasonic instruments. Removing the tartar
makes the teeth easier to keep clean, as its rough surface
tends to attract more plaque.The hygienist will then polish
the teeth leaving them smooth and clean. If there is a lot of
tartar, two or more visits may be necessary.
If gum disease has become advanced, a special programme for
removing deep tartar from the root surface may be required.
This is called root planing or debridement and it may be
necessary for the dentist or hygienist to anaesthetise the gum
to make it comfortable. In some cases a slow-release gel may
be prescribed to help stop the harmful bacteria from causing
further damage.
Recent research has shown that people who regularly see the
hygienist experience less dental decay and require less dental
work in the long term.
But the dentist usually polishes my teeth!
If you are used to having a scale and polish with your dentist
you will know that this usually takes only a few minutes.The
dental hygienist will spend 20-30 minutes or more on
thoroughly cleaning and scaling your teeth. Additionally you will
receive in-depth individual advice.This is because the treatment
of gum disease, once it is established, takes more time. If the
disease is quite advanced or if you have large amounts of
plaque or tartar you may need multiple hygienist visits.
How often should I visit a hygienist?
There is no set time period for hygiene treatment as every
patient has different needs. Recall frequencies are tailored to
personal requirements. For example, in the case of advanced
gum disease you may need a course of treatment consisting of
four visits over the same number of weeks, followed by once a
month for a year.
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Alternatively, if you have a healthy mouth, the
recommended recall period could range from three to twelve
monthly intervals.
What can a hygienist do for children?
As well as polishing children's teeth and applying fluoride gels,
hygienists can put 'fissure sealants' in children's back teeth.This
sealant is a tooth-coloured plastic coating, which forms a
smooth, protective barrier over the fissures in the teeth, it is
highly effective for preventing decay. Children will also benefit
from an education session with the hygienist who will teach
them about the effects of eating sugar or consuming fizzy
drinks and teach a routine for proper mouth care at home.
For that special occasion
After treatment with a hygienist, your teeth will look cleaner
and brighter and your mouth will feel much fresher.A
treatment can be booked whenever you like: before a
celebration; a holiday; or even a job interview. Ask the dentist
about the availability of the hygienist, the recommended
frequency of visits and, the cost of the treatment.
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List Of Treatments Download Brochure
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