Dental Hygiene Therapy

The hygienist can help you by showing ways to reduce gum inflammation and providing treatments for gum disease. This is crucial because, although you may not be aware of it or experience pain, gum inflammation can progress further. If left untreated, it can result in bone loss around the teeth, gum recession, painful loose teeth, and even tooth loss. This advanced condition, called periodontitis, cannot be reversed. However, your gums are easily treatable at the early stages before this happens.

Scaling and polishing remove built-up stains on the teeth from things like tea, coffee, and red wine, restoring teeth to their natural color and helping achieve a brighter smile. The hygienist’s meticulous skills ensure this can be done with minimal discomfort and is safe for the teeth.

If your life has been negatively impacted by long-term or temporary bad breath (halitosis), dental hygienist appointments are available at FACEMED. Nearly 90% of bad breath cases are caused by periodontal disease or gum disease. Other causes include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Dietary habits, including some foods, drinks, and smoking
• Poorly fitted dental crowns, bridges, restorations, and dentures
• Cracked, leaking, or poorly designed dental fillings
• Poorly cleaned dentures

During your visit, your medical history will be assessed, as it may be relevant to your treatment. The hygienist will ask about your smoking habits and alcohol consumption to provide appropriate advice. They will also inquire about your current tooth brushing routine to tailor their advice.

During an inspection of your mouth, the hygienist will examine the tightness of the gums around the teeth, the way the gums may bleed, and their general appearance. They will then explain any problems in detail.

The hygienist will remove any hard deposits, plaque, and stains using a mechanical ultrasonic device and hand instruments. Special stain removal techniques may also be used, and the teeth can be polished to leave a smooth feeling and a brighter appearance. Your teeth may feel more sensitive for a few days afterward, but special toothpastes can help reduce this.

The hygienist’s main work is to treat and prevent gum disease. You can help by closely following their instructions. You may be asked to bring your toothbrush to the appointment so that a safe and effective brushing technique can be properly demonstrated. The hygienist will show you how to clean properly between your teeth and around any dental bridges or implants. Gum problems often start where plaque bacteria stagnate between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach.

Your dentist and hygienist will discuss how many times you may need to attend initially and will advise the appropriate frequency for future visits.

Airflow is a revolutionary dental hygiene treatment that uses a combination of jet water, air, and specialist powder to blast off stains, remove discoloration up to 100%, and give you an instant polished, naturally white, and bright smile. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the procedure employs compressed air to provide a jet-like stream of water and powder, which is operated by the Dental Hygienist to target specific areas requiring treatment, such as plaque and stain present above and below the gumline. The treatment also acts as a preventive measure against oral disease as part of a regular hygiene plan.

Regular visits to the dental hygienist can help maintain your oral health, prevent gum disease, and keep your smile bright and healthy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact FACEMED today.