Dental Hygiene

Many people book their hygiene appointments alongside their regular dental check-up appointments, typically every six months. The ideal frequency of your hygiene appointments depends on your individual oral health needs, so we may suggest you leave a longer or shorter time between your appointments.

The key contributor to gum disease and tooth decay, plaque is a sticky, transparent film of bacteria that continually builds up around the gum line and must be regularly brushed away. Caused by the food that remains on your teeth after eating, plaque eventually hardens to become tartar, which has a yellow or brown colour. Together, plaque and tartar attack the tooth enamel, making gums and teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.

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.

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is characterised by inflamed gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, a more severe condition that can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and potential damage to the underlying bone.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is vital if you want to minimise problems with your oral health. Your hygienist will give you advice and tips not only about how to clean your teeth, but also about diet and general lifestyle.

A scale and polish may cause some discomfort, but shouldn’t hurt. If your gums are very sensitive the hygienist can use anaesthetic gel to help you remain comfortable throughout treatment. We also ensure you know what to expect before we begin, and can stop at any point to give you a break if you need it.

No, ozone therapy doesn’t hurt at all. In fact, ozone therapy is particularly suited to children and anxious patients because it is so gentle and effective.