Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do you avoid flossing regularly? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘Yes’ then you almost certainly have some gum disease around your teeth. Gum disease is the most common disease in the world and is responsible for bad breath, bleeding gums and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Recent research also links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. See http://www.perio.org/ for more information.
Tartar build up on the inside of the lower front teeth.
Hygienists are most often used to treat gum disease although, if severe, referral to a Periodontist is recommended for specialist treatment. Dr Amit Patel is our periodontist and runs regular clinics at the practice.
Dental hygienists are specially trained to work with the dentist in giving care to patients.
They play an important role in dental health care and are mainly concerned with gum health, showing people correct home care and applying preventive materials to the teeth and gums.
What is the hygienist’s role in the practice?
The hygienist’s main role is to professionally clean the teeth for the patient. This is usually called scaling and polishing. However, perhaps their most important role is showing the patient the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque. The hygienist will work with your dentist to provide care tailored to your needs.
Before After
Why is this treatment important?
Regular professional cleaning combined with your home care will help keep your mouth healthy. A clean and healthy mouth will improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.
Can a hygienist help prevent dental disease?
This is what the training of the hygienist is all about. Carefully removing the deposits that build up on the teeth (tartar) and teaching you how to prevent it reforming again, will go a long way to slowing the progress of gum disease. By discussing your diet, and recommending other preventive measures, tooth decay can also be prevented.
Where gum disease is more advanced referral to a specialsit is often needed if teeth are to be saved. For more information on specialist treatment see Bupa Specialist periodontics
For more information see http://www.bsperio.org/
