Skip links

Gum Disease and Dental Hygiene

Gum Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK, which is why protecting your smile from the condition should be an essential part of your Dental Hygiene routine. Your gums are the foundation of your smile, so their health is crucial to the longevity of your teeth. Good oral hygiene at home will do most of the hard work in preventing Gum Disease, but visits to the Hygienist will treat the condition and halt it in its tracks, delivering better oral health for your smile.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum Disease starts as an inflammation in the gums caused by bacteria. Plaque deposits contain bacteria that trigger the immune system, and a buildup can lead to gums becoming irritated. This can lead gums to become red, swollen and sore, and bleeding. The initial stage of Gum Disease is gingivitis, which can be treated by the Hygienist, who removes the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, eliminating the cause.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. At this stage, the bacteria causes the gums to recede. Pockets start to form between the gum and tooth, eventually leading to the loosening of the teeth. Unlike the first stage, periodontitis isn’t reversible but can be maintained through periodontal treatments. However, good Dental Hygiene can prevent this from occurring.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

As gum disease starts as an inflammation in the gums caused by a build-up of bacteria, there are certain warning signs to look out for, which could be early warning signs.

This includes:

  • Bleeding gums during or after brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
  • Gums are noticeably swollen, red, and sore
  • Painful chewing
  • Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth

With proper oral care, these symptoms can be reversible, and a dental hygienist can help to prevent the symptoms from progressing more seriously. Without consulting a dental hygienist or taking the appropriate oral healthcare steps, it can become more serious and lead to shrinking gums and teeth becoming loose or falling out.

Gum Disease Treatment

Treatment for gum disease will be dependent on the seriousness of the condition, with a thorough assessment first carried out to determine the current oral health, and then discuss the treatment requirements alongside a home plan regarding your oral health routine.

If the treatment is mild or less severe, then gum disease can be treated with a daily brushing and flossing routine alongside an appointment with a dental hygienist, who will monitor the condition. If your dental hygienist believes it to be more serious, then your dental hygienist will provide advice and recommend further treatment, such as a deep cleaning under the gums, antibiotics, teeth removal, or gum surgery.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease can easily be prevented, as it is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. With a proper oral hygiene routine, plaque will be removed properly and prevent a build-up.

To prevent gum disease, we recommend:

  • Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing and avoid rinsing.
  • Clean in between your teeth every day, using floss or interdental brushes
  • Replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months, or immediately after having a virus or cold.
  • See a dentist and a dental hygienist for regular check-ups

What Happens at a Dental Hygiene Appointment?

During a hygiene appointment, the health of your gums and teeth will be assessed. This will involve looking for any signs of swelling, inflammation, or bleeding. The hygienist may also take measurements of where the gum attaches to the tooth and check for signs of oral cancer.

Cleaning and Removing Plaque

One of the main aspects of the hygienist’s role is to carry out a ‘scale and polish’, a thorough clean of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Scaling (removing tartar) also makes it easier to keep teeth clean, as there is no longer a rough surface to attract more plaque. This deep clean will be finished off with a polish to leave teeth shiny and smooth.

One of these cleaning treatments is called Airflow, which is a simple procedure that removes plaque, discolouration, and stains from your teeth while helping to prevent more serious conditions like gum disease. Compressed water, air and powder particles are used to remove bacteria and clean your teeth.

If gum disease has progressed beyond the early stages, a hygienist can remove deep tartar from the root surface. This is known as root planing (or debridement), and as it involves deeper cleaning under the gum line, the procedure may require an anaesthetic.

Helpful Advice for Good Dental Hygiene

Hygienists also offer helpful hygiene advice and demonstrate how to keep your teeth clean and plaque-free with toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and floss.

For younger patients, hygienists can apply fluoride varnishes to strengthen enamel or fissure sealants, which provide a protective barrier to stop bacteria from settling in the narrow fissures of the back teeth. These treatments offer a protective measure for young teeth when they first start to emerge.

From deep cleaning to advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and dental care tips, our Dentists can help you to prevent gum disease and improve your dental hygiene routine with proper dental care.

Contact us today!

At ConfiDental Clinic, we understand the difference that a natural, healthy smile can make in your everyday life. Our friendly team of Dentists are well-versed in Gum Disease, and our specialist Dental Hygienists can help advise and provide quality treatment that leaves you feeling confident and your smile brighter.

To learn more about Gum Disease and Dental Hygiene, get in touch with us today. If you are searching for a local and reliable Dentist in the area, then book online at one of our four locations for a quality dental service.

Emergency Dentist Appointment

We are committed to providing the highest standard of personalised dental care with a gentle touch. If you are requiring emergency dental care, then don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Jignasha Patel
Jignasha Patel
2023-12-08
Great friendly and helpful team from reception to dental nurses & dentists themselves.
David Arulanandam
David Arulanandam
2023-11-28
I had a very pleasant experience and the staff were extremely kind and willing to help as much as possible. The Dentist explained the condition very well and taken the appropriate measures. I will recommend this surgery to everyone. well done and keep up the good work.
Beverly Newbury
Beverly Newbury
2023-11-28
Great dentist 😬 and they put you in so much ease
Lesley P (Dolly daydream)
Lesley P (Dolly daydream)
2023-11-28
This was my first visit as a new patient at Confidental St Helier & felt quite nervous. I didn’t need to worry though, from booking in at reception & meeting my new dentist was a really good experience. I would highly recommend them.
Dr Simeon
Dr Simeon
2023-11-28
Kind, gentle and friendly receptionists, dentist and hygienist. Was dreading visiting the dentist as I had not been for quite a while. Walked out of my check-up with a spring in my step and amuch brighter, cleaner smile on my face. So grateful I managed to get in.
Z K
Z K
2023-10-31
Most amazing dental practice I have been to! Very kind and friendly staff as well a highly qualified skilled dentist! Wouldn’t go anywhere else for my teeth! Absolutely love love the results, the dentist here won’t stop until you are 110% satisfied! Excellent service specially Dr zena
Donna Munoz
Donna Munoz
2023-10-26
I am so happy that I had my dental treatment here at St Helier. Dr Zena Al-ansari made it possible for me to smile again after more than 30 years. I had Invisalign fitted as well as other procedures during the course of a year and the care and attention I received was outstanding. Zena is such a lovely friendly dentist who puts you at ease and informs you of your procedure every step of the way. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to smile again😃
Jackie Miller
Jackie Miller
2023-10-20
Would I recommend this practice yes I would. What a great place Dr Catarina Machado and her nurse Jina what lovely people they are. Very nervous about dentist but no need here make you feel relaxed every step is explained clearly and why things are done. Cant tell you how relaxed Catarina made me feel no longer worried about seeing dentist any more. Thank you all so very much. 👏👏👏😊😊😊
Mona
Mona
2023-10-04
Everyone was so helpful and amazing 👏 starting with receptionist Sienna and nurse Anna. Dr Catarina is lovely and my front tooth looks like was never damaged. Hygienist Haddy worked a miracle with my gums, they stopped bleeding after a session with her. I am so greatful♥️💙thank you

Customer Support

Affordable Dental Care

Experienced Dentists

Book Your Dental Hygiene Appointment Today

Book Appointment

Contact Form