We are passionate about Preventative Dentistry at St Paul's Dental Practice, which is why we recommend you make regular visits to our Hygienists.
The Hygienists at our practice are experienced dental care professionals who have the responsibility of helping you keep your mouth in the best possible state of health.
Hygienists are at the forefront of treating gum disease, being specially trained to identify, prevent and treat all aspects of the disease. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
Often, the first sign of the early form of gum disease, gingivitis, is blood on your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Early treatment of Gingivitis is vital in preventing it becoming the more serious, chronic form known as Periodontitis, where gums shrink back and the underlying bone is destroyed, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. So if you notice blood when brushing your teeth, you should book an appointment with our Hygienist straight away.
Every patient's needs are different, so our hygienists, together with our oral health educator, will help to develop a bespoke plan to take the best care of your mouth. Your Dentist and Hygienist will recommend how often you need to attend dental hygiene appointments; this may be more frequently than your dental check-ups. You can also arrange to visit our Hygienists more frequently, making use of their expertise in cleaning and to give your smile that extra sparkle before a special occasion.
When you visit our Hygienists, they will carry out a thorough investigation of your gums to identify any areas where you may have or could develop gum disease. The gums and bone around your teeth are their foundations and preventing and treating gum disease is of prime importance for a healthy, pain free mouth throughout life. Your Hygienist will explain exactly what she finds and involve you in discovering the best ways for you to remove the damaging plaque from all the nooks and crannies where it collects, by tooth brushing, flossing, using interdental brushes and other useful techniques.
Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, it reacts with food, turning sugar to acid, which then dissolves the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities. The bacteria also produce toxins that cause gum disease.
The Hygienist will undertake any necessary professional cleaning of your teeth, removing any stubborn plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, with a scale and polish or deep scaling if required. They can also help by removing stains on your teeth caused by drinks such as coffee or red wine, or by habits such as smoking.
Many patients are concerned about bad breath, and our hygiene team can help treat some of the causes of unpleasant breath.
Our aim is to educate and motivate our patients to enable them to keep their natural teeth for life. Our hygiene team will provide fact sheets and information and an effective home care programme, tailored to each patient's individual needs.
To book a dental hygiene appointment, contact the practice today.
Please email us at info@stpaulsdentalpractice.co.uk or use the online form below.
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