Did you know that tooth decay is the most common disease in the developed world? Knowing that it’s also preventable is a sobering thought, and something we want to do something about. Good dental hygiene is essential in helping to prevent tooth decay.
Another scary statistic is that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the UK. Again, gum disease is preventable with a strong dental hygiene regime. It’s also a very common condition and comes in two forms: the milder gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. As with all diseases, the earlier gum disease is caught the better, and the easier it is to treat. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease, you should book an appointment with a hygienist as soon as possible. As well as treating the condition, they can advise you on how to stop it recurring in the future.
Everybody should visit the hygienist, at least every six months, for a scale and polish, which will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing any stubborn plaque or tartar. Some people need to visit more often, and you should always follow your dentist or hygienist’s advice. Regular visits also enable us to monitor your oral health, so if there are any early signs of gum disease or decay, we can treat them sooner rather than later.
Of course, it goes without saying that a good home care regime is also vitally important to your dental health. That’s why our hygienists provide bespoke oral healthcare advice for all the family. This includes:
- The best type of toothbrush to use, and the best brushing techniques
- Advice on special tools such as interdental brushes, to clean between the teeth
- Flossing advice
- The best and worst food and drinks for your teeth
- Special advice for cleaning dentures, bridges, braces etc
- The best mouth wash to use
- Fresh breath advice
- How to look after your mouth after oral surgery, to aid recovery
- How to clean young children’s teeth, and how to help older children develop their own oral healthcare regime