Dental hygiene

Dedicated to helping you maintain healthy gums, fresh breath and outstanding oral health, our highly trained and fully qualified hygienists are able to specially diagnose and treat oral health problems as well as to provide advice on how to best look after your smile on a daily basis.

Your visit to our dental hygienist will include the following:

• Time - to confidentially discuss any concerns you may have including persistent bad breath, a dry mouth or bleeding gums.

• Diagnosis and treatment - of any oral health problems that may be affecting your gums, tongue and mouth.

• FREE Professional Air Polishing to clean your teeth and gums - with specialist equipment (cavitron airflow - at no extra cost) that is designed to remove debris and deposits that have built up below your gums, which if left, may cause disease.

• Education and advice - to provide you with useful hints and tips that will help you look after your oral health on a daily basis. Your hygienist will also be able demonstrate brushing techniques to you and how to use floss effectively.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by the build up of plaque bacteria on the teeth, which causes surrounding tissues to become inflamed and the gums to recede. As this happens, more and more bacteria begin to find their way into the gums causing further recession, discomfort and, if left untreated, eventual tooth loss.

Did you know?

It is gum disease and not tooth decay that is the major cause of tooth loss in adult patients.

Is there a link between gum problems and heart disease?

Recent scientific research has shown a link between poor oral health and other conditions such as heart and lung disease. This highlights the importance of good dental care.

Unhealthy gums allow mouth bacteria to enter the blood stream and potentially cause damage to blood vessels and the heart.

How do you prevent it?

Regular check-ups and hygiene visits are essential in helping to improve and maintain the condition of your teeth and gums.

How do I treat gum (periodontal) disease?

Periodontal therapy is best carried out in systematic treatment phases by our Specialist Peridontist, Dr Kuljeet Mehta

The Hygienic Phase of Therapy:

The initial Hygienic phase of therapy is aimed at arresting disease, resolving inflammation and reducing number and depths of pockets. This meticulous deep cleaning of the gums will be carried under local anaesthetic on sections of the mouth at a time by Dr Mehta.

For many patients deep cleaning in conjunction with the appropriate maintenance care will be sufficient to control the disease. However, in advanced cases of periodontal disease with a large number of deep pockets, the improvement after deep cleaning alone may not be enough. A second phase of therapy may include minor surgery to gain access to deep areas for cleaning and reshaping.

The Corrective Phase of Therapy:

This phase of therapy aims at treating teeth with residual deep pockets following the Hygienic phase. This aim at restoring your function and aesthetics.

The decision regarding what type of further periodontal therapy may be needed, and on how many sites, should be made after the effect of the initial phase of therapy has been evaluated. The time lapse between finishing the initial phase of therapy and this evaluation may vary from 2-6 months. Periodontal surgery is aimed at reducing the pockets further and achieving a situation which allows you to clean between the teeth more easily.

After completion of periodontal therapy, Dr Mehta wil carry out any final cosmetic improvements or replacement of missing teeth by dental implants. Ideally, removable dentures should be avoided since they lead to further plaque retention and an increased risk of recurrence of gum disease.

Any questions about dental hygiene or gum disease?

If you have any questions or would like any further information about your dental hygiene or gum disease, please call a friendly member of our reception team on 01276 33363 or click here to book a consultation with a member of our team.