​Hygiene Visits

Young or old, a great smile starts with the basics…..clean, healthy teeth. Our hygienist Isobell, is a specially trained member of the dental team and is your first line of defense against dental diseases. She will professionally scale and polish your teeth, check the health of your gums, show you the best way to keep your teeth plaque free at home and give you smoking cessation and dietary advice. All of the treatments that Isobell provides will make your gums healthier and therefore look and feel much cleaner. Hygiene visits go hand in hand with orthodontic treatment, resulting in the smile you’ve always wanted.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs due to plaque build up on the teeth. Plaque sits where the gum and teeth meet and cause extreme irritation leading to red, swollen and tender areas on the gum. As the gum becomes more swollen it separates from the teeth. This separtion leads to the development of a pocket where more dental plaque lives and eventually damages the gum and kills the bone around the tooth. 

How common is gum disease?

Gum disease is the most common infectious disease affecting more than 80% of people worldwide. 

How do I know if I have Gum Disease?

There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate you have gum disease. These may included:

• Dark or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Pain when eating
• Gums that look like they are low down on the teeth
• Sensitive or loose teeth
• Bad breath

What should I do if I think I might have gum disease?

The best way to find out about the health of your gums is to have a check-up with your dental hygienist. The hygienist can tell you the state of your gums. If it is discovered that you have gum disease, treatment can begin immediately which will have positive effects on both your oral and general health.

General Health

Gum disease can contribute to issues with your general, as well as oral health. Bacteria can get into the blood stream through open blood vessels and can cause heart complications, blood clots, development of arthritis, low birth weight babies, and lung disease. The reasons why these problems occur are not clear. 

Tips for a Healthy Mouth

• Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.
• Brush where the teeth and gums meet, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes everyday to clean between your teeth.
• Do not smoke!