Dental Hygiene

What is dental hygiene?

Poor dental hygiene can lead to problems such as tooth decay or gum disease and can impair your ability to eat and speak correctly. Good dental hygiene is about keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease. You can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing regularly, using fluoride, and limiting sugary items, etc. However, visiting a dental hygienist regularly for professional cleaning is one of the best ways to maintain sound dental hygiene.

The benefits of dental hygiene

The sole purpose of good oral hygiene is to remove or prevent the formation and accumulation of plaque and tartar and has the following benefits:

• Prevent tooth decay
• Reduce the chances of tooth sensitivity
• Prevent cavities that may result in fillings
• Make your teeth and gums healthier
• Fresher breath rather than bad breath
• Improve overall general health
• Lower the risks of heart diseases
• Improve gum health
• Simple and affordable practices
• Reduce chances of dental procedures being needed
• Maintain a bright smile

The different types of dental hygiene

There are different types of dental hygiene and cleaning procedures, and the type your hygienist use is likely to use depends a lot on your specific oral care needs. The following are the four major types of oral hygiene.

1. Prophylaxis cleaning: This is a dental cleaning procedure that is mainly used on people who have a healthy mouth. It is designed to perform routine care, such as removing the expected amount of tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth, gums, and between teeth.  This type is recommended for individuals who visit the dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. It can help remove unwanted plaque and any minor stains existing on the surface of their teeth.
2. Scaling and root planning: This is a slightly deeper dental cleaning procedure (that involves a deep cleaning of the gums, gum line, and other supporting structures in the teeth. This is a very common procedure and is usually recommended every 6 months on average
3. Gross Debridement: If an individual has not visited a dentist for several years, there is likely to be a fair amount of plaque that has accumulated on the gums, teeth, and between the teeth.  Gross debridement, which is a deep cleanse, removes tartar and plaque in all areas of the mouth.   This will usually be recommended after assessment and confirmation from the dentist if this is required
4. Periodontal maintenance: Periodontal maintenance refers to routine maintenance for people who have suffered from gum disease.  Periodontal care can be provided for people with gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontal care generally involves regular visits to the dentist to clean the entire surface of the mouth. It is usually performed for a period of time or until all gum problems have been properly addressed and the symptoms of gum disease are under control.

How much do dental hygiene check-ups cost?

Because there are different types of dental hygiene treatment and are performed according to the specific oral care needs of a patient, the cost of dental hygiene check-ups ranges between £54 and £125.

If you would like to know more about our dental hygiene services, please contact our friendly team on 02083991291.

Airflow Stain Removal

How to Brush