At Kelmscott Dental we recommend that any effective oral hygiene routine should include thorough regular maintenance both at home and at the dentist to help prevent major dental problems.
All big problems start off little and our teeth and gums are being challenged everyday by what we eat, drink and breathe in. If you catch them when they’re small, you improve the chances of them not growing into problems at all. For this reason a thorough oral hygiene routine is essential to keep your smile at its best and help prevent the onset of gum disease, decay and other damage or deterioration of previous dental work.
Oral Hygiene Examinations
These examinations are essential in the early detection and prevention of any potential problems before they escalate. They should also include a professional clean and polish to remove any tough plaque which cannot be dislodged through regular brushing. Even the very best oral hygiene routine needs that professional touch.
When should I arrange a checkup?
We recommend a dental visit for a scale & clean twice a year however, some of our patients require more frequent visits and some less. This is all dependent on your current oral health status and needs. During your check-up we’ll recommend personal preventative dentistry techniques, tailored specifically to you.
If it’s been a while since you had a comprehensive dental examination, contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation.
What are the consequences of poor oral health?
Gum disease, tooth decay, deterioration of previous dental work, risk of heart disease and other systemic diseases are all consequences of a poor oral hygiene routine.
If you don’t take care of your oral health on a daily basis plaque bacteria builds up in your mouth, which will quickly harden to form tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional, and the longer it lingers the more damage it can cause to the bones and ligaments which support the teeth and the tooth itself. Not to mention, the bacteria can also find its way in to your blood stream leading to more serious health issues. If it’s been a while since your last scale and clean, contact us to book an appointment to see one of our professionally trained Dental hygienists.
How often should I brush and floss?
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene practices. However we do understand that everyone’s needs are different and a visit to our Dental hygienist will help to cater a plan specific for your needs.
What Is Gum (Periodontal) Disease And What Are The Symptoms?
Gum disease manifests in two main stages. The first stage is known as gingivitis, a treatable and reversible condition. Gingivitis occurs when a build-up of bacteria called plaque begins to attack the gums and surrounding tissues. Symptoms include red, swollen or puffy gums which may bleed easily when brushing. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease that happens below the gum. It is a silent disease because you often won’t even know that you have it. The bacteria build up below the gum destroys the ligaments and bone that supports the teeth. One of the most common signs of gum disease is bad breath also known as halitosis. The effects of gum disease are not reversible but can be treated and prevented by seeing our Dental Hygienist for active maintenance. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and more serious conditions such as heart disease.
What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
Regular appointments and thorough cleaning below the gum line are essential to help treat and prevent the spreading of gum disease. This also allows us to monitor the affected areas and guide you in how to maintain through oral hygiene maintenance at home. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, or feel you may have gum disease contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation.
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Contact us today to learn more about our dental services, to book an appointment or if you want to chat about your options.
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