Dental Hygiene
What is Dental Hygiene and Why is it Important?
Dental hygiene is concerned with the health of your teeth, gums, mouth and can even extend to your throat. Maintaining good dental hygiene is critical, as poor oral hygiene can lead to embarrassing and potentially serious conditions.
Poor oral hygiene can cause:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Visible build-up of plaque and tartar
- Stained teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth decay
- Loose teeth and even tooth loss
- Dental abscesses
These symptoms can interfere with your social life and daily activities, making it difficult to eat or speak and making you self-conscious about your smile. One of the more serious concerns is the effect poor dental health can have on your overall health.
Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease
A poorly-maintained mouth can be a bacterial breeding ground and, if you neglect or ignore your oral hygiene, it can lead to gum disease (also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis).
Bacteria associated with periodontitis can enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums and has been linked to the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- Generalised inflammation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lung disease
How Can We Help?
In addition to following a thorough oral health regimen at home, including brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once daily, it’s important to book in a dental hygiene visit on a regular basis. Dr Amin is specially trained to not only give your teeth and gums a much more thorough clean than you can achieve at home, but also to spot early warning signs of more serious developments such as periodontitis and even oral cancer.
Specifically, we will:
- Review your past medical and dental history
- Assess the current health of your mouth and surrounding tissue
- Provide treatment using the latest technology, including comfort
- Provide you with oral health education and product recommendations
- Send you home with a tailored treatment plan to maintain your oral health
- Recommend specialist treatment where necessary