Dental Hygiene
Scale and polish hygiene treatment (“Teeth cleaning”)
Why do I need dental hygiene?
Every mouth gets tartar, plaque and/or calculus build-up, for some it will build much faster than others. This build-up is the cause of bleeding gums and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and removing it is crucial in the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
What is Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is gum inflammation and, when left untreated, can progress to more serious stages of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis.
Plaque accumulates in the areas between the teeth, which inflame the gums. Gingivitis is a warning sign from the teeth and gums that you must be more proactive about your oral hygiene routine.
It is important for patients diagnosed with gingivitis to book for a routine dental cleaning with our dentist or hygienist so they can remove this plaque and restore your oral health.
What causes gingivitis?
There are many factors that may increase your risk of developing gingivitis, including:
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Smoking: In addition to being one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease, smoking also lowers the chances that treatment will be effective.
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Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly can lead to the onset of gingivitis.
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Hormonal changes: Hormone changes, like those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to an increased chance of sensitivity and inflammation in your gums. Taking care of your teeth and gums will help to reduce this risk.
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Poor diet: Poor nutrition deprives your body of important vitamins and minerals. This makes it more difficult to fight off infections, such as gum disease.
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Chronic disease: Diabetes, HIV, or cancer are all examples of medical conditions that make you more susceptible to fighting infection. Our periodontal specialists can help you establish an effective oral hygiene routine that will reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and periodontal disease advances.
When periodontitis develops, the inner layer of the gum and bone pulls away from the teeth and periodontal pockets form with harmful bacteria. Plaque spreads and grows below the gumline, which can lead to tooth and bone loss.
This advanced stage of gum disease can lead to poor tooth alignment, gum recession, and clear pockets between the teeth and gums. We may recommend a specialist (periodontist) referral in severe cases.