Dental Hygiene
Preserve & Restore Your Oral Health with Dental Hygiene in Newbury
What is dental hygiene?
Maintaining good dental hygiene is vital to maintaining overall good oral health. Dental hygiene prevents oral diseases, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
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 cleaning will help remove any build-up. Hygienists are trained in cleaning away plaque and tartar deposits, protecting your smile from bacteria.
Why are hygiene appointments important?
Your oral health depends on your gums. Your dental hygienist is best placed to look after your gum health, preventing gum disease and removing any bacteria that is already irritating your gums. 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 worsens.
Top reasons to book your hygiene appointment
- Prevents dental issues from developing – Regular visits to your hygienist help prevent periodontal and gum disease from developing.
- Feel more confident with a lighter, brighter smile – Stains, plaque, and tartar will be removed during your hygienist appointment, leaving your teeth whiter and brighter.
- Fresh breath– As your hygienist can reach parts that normal brushing can’t reach, you will have fresher breath and cleaner teeth, giving you a healthier mouth.
- Oral health tips and advice – Your hygienist can demonstrate how to clean and floss teeth more effectively, so you can maintain a cleaner and healthier mouth in between your appointments.
- Screening for mouth cancer and other oral diseases – As part of your appointment, your hygienist will do a mouth cancer screening check to spot any warning signs early on.
What happens during a hygiene appointment?
The main part of your hygiene appointment involves a routine scale and polish. This deep-clean removes stubborn tartar from all the hard-to-reach areas. This is then followed by a professional polish – which leaves your teeth feeling smoother, cleaner, and brighter. As well as a deep clean, we will advise you 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.
A typical hygiene appointment involves the following steps:
- Oral Examination: The hygienist will examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of disease or decay.
- A Professional Clean: Using specialised tools, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums.
- Polishing: Your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth.
- Flossing: The hygienist will demonstrate proper flossing techniques and remove plaque from between your teeth.
- Oral Health Advice: You will receive personalised advice on how to maintain good oral health at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
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. Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It can lead to tooth loss and other health problems if left untreated.
Can I prevent gum disease at home?
Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash, can help prevent gum disease.
What is the difference between a dentist and a hygienist?
Dentists diagnose and treat dental conditions, while hygienists focus on preventive care and oral health education.
Does smoking affect my oral health?
Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Can a poor diet affect my oral health?
A diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to tooth decay.
What is a dental scale and polish?
A dental scale and polish is a professional clean that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and polishes them to a smooth finish.