Studies have shown that 90% of the UK population has gum disease in some form or another. Could you also be suffering and what does this mean for your oral and general health? Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque being left on the teeth. It infects the gums. Have you been experiencing bad breath, or even painful gums? Perhaps you’ve noticed that your gums are redder than usually, swollen, tender, or even pulling away from the teeth?  

All of these are signs that you may have gum disease which requires attention before you inadvertently give yourself further health problems as a consequence. Diabetes, strokes and heart disease have all been linked to gum disease, when left untreated. These are serious conditions, which may require invasive medical treatment; treatment that could have been avoided through regular visits to your hygienist.  

The importance of dental hygiene 

Regular cleaning is key to good oral hygiene and can help your keep gum infection at bay. Visiting a hygienist is a further layer of protection. Your hygienist will give you advice on which areas of your teeth you are missing with your toothbrush, because this is where the plaque build up will be obvious. You will be guided in good brushing techniques and have a professional clean that will remove those hard-to-reach food deposits. Scaling and root planing are treatments that your hygienist will provide.  

In addition to providing you with a regular clean and polish, you dental hygienist will play a vital role in making sure your mouth isn’t displaying any warning signs of serious health problems. Small white patches in the mouth, or spots, could be indicative of the initial stages of mouth cancer. This is a disease that offers a far better survival rate when caught early. Your trip to your hygienist might just save your life!

Professional Cleaning

A professional scale and polish will thoroughly rid of your teeth of any remaining food deposits and take down the build up of plaque, both above and below the gum line. It will also remove any stains, making your teeth look whiter. Given that our teeth naturally yellow as we get older, the whiter our teeth, the younger we may appear. An air polish will spray a mixture of air, water and fine power particles onto the teeth surfaces, without exerting any pressure, but leaving a more even finish. This is a great preparatory treatment, if you’re considering having a cosmetic tooth whitening treatment. 

All you need to do to receive reminders about your regular dental hygienist appointments is register with the Harwood Dental Care practice. Let our dental team take care of your teeth for you and greatly reduce the chances of you suffering from painful dental problems in the future. We offer general dentistry appointments for all the family, as well as a large range of cosmetic treatments to enhance the appearance of your smile. Please get in touch to book your first appointment.