Hygiene
What is Dental Hygiene?
Dental hygiene keeps your teeth, gums, and other oral aspects clean and healthy. It’s a crucial activity no matter your age. Part of oral hygiene you take care of at home, such as brushing, flossing, and consuming healthy foods. However, regular visits to the dental hygienist are a vital element to the ongoing health of your teeth and gums.
Oral hygienists help deep clean your teeth, helping you obtain a professional level of cleanliness that cannot be achieved with home care alone. However, cleaning is only part of what hygienists do; they also tailor a plan to your individual needs, provide advice and point out problem areas. If there are any potential dental issues, hygienists bring them to the dentist’s attention. They work together to create a treatment plan, correcting minor issues before they become significant dental problems.
Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene
The signs of poor oral hygiene are easy to spot, and you don’t have to be a dental professional to notice them.
If you experience any of the following, you should make an appointment to see us right away:
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores
- Toothache
- Gingivitis
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
Our team can help you get these symptoms under control, and issues are always easier to resolve the earlier we can intervene. No matter how much the symptoms have progressed, we are here to help you resolve them. Give us a call today.
Benefits of Seeing a Hygienist
- A bright smile
- Fresh breath
- Healthy gums
- Prevention of tooth sensitivity
- Reduced risk of oral cancer
- Reduced need for more invasive dental procedures
- Saving money and time in the long run
- Better overall health
See One of Our Hygienists Twice a Year for Optimum Results
Generally, we recommend dental visits with the hygienist every six months. However, we treat all our patients as individuals at The Bay Dental Practice, and everyone’s needs are different. Some of our patients should come in at more frequent intervals, especially if we have concerns with their oral health.
During the visit, we update your medical and dental records, ensuring your personalised treatment plan fits your needs and preferences. If you have any concerns about your oral health, please let us know so we can take a closer look.
Next, we screen you for decay and other oral health issues by examining your teeth, gums and mouth. Hygienists conduct a thorough cleaning using various tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar and help your smile glisten.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Good oral hygiene is your reward for taking care of your teeth. At home, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily to remove debris and plaque between your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months; otherwise, the bristles break down, and cleaning becomes less effective — even if you brush twice daily.
Beyond the basics, cutting out sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes will help keep your teeth in good shape. Eating a healthy diet can also help, especially if you swap out sugar for nutrient- and vitamin-rich foods.
Do you have questions on how to improve your oral healthcare at home? Ask your hygienist to show you some techniques during your next visit to our practice.
Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene at The Bay Dental Practice
Even those who take excellent care of their teeth at home can benefit from visiting a dental hygienist. With our tools, techniques, and technology, we can give you a superior level of cleanliness with unparalleled patient care. Book an oral hygiene appointment so we can help you achieve better overall oral health.
