A good oral hygiene routine is the cornerstone of good oral health. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily and attending regular check-up and cleans.
Oral Hygiene
We recommend having a professional scale & clean every six months to help remove stubborn plaque on teeth and around gums. It’s the only way to monitor existing signs of tooth decay or gum disease and to stop it from advancing. Your hygiene appointment includes:
- A professional scale & clean of teeth and gums
- Fluoride application to strengthen and protect tooth enamel
- Oral health tips and advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene from home
If you can’t remember the last time you had a clean, it’s time to book in with the team. Call (08) 9496 7999 or book online.
A Professional Clean for a Healthier Mouth
We recommend a dental visit for a scale & clean twice a year however, some of our patients require more frequent visits and some less. This is all dependent on your current oral health status and needs. During your check-up we’ll recommend personal preventative dentistry techniques, tailored specifically to you.
If it’s been a while since you had a comprehensive dental examination, contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation.
Consequences of Poor Oral Health
Gum disease, tooth decay, deterioration of previous dental work, risk of heart disease and other systemic diseases are all consequences of a poor oral hygiene routine.
Without a daily oral hygiene routine, plaque and bacteria build up on teeth and around gums, which can quickly harden to form tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional, and the longer it lingers the more damage it can cause to the bones and ligaments which support the teeth.
What’s more, bacteria can also find its way in to the blood stream causing more serious health concerns. If it’s been a while since your last scale & clean, book an appointment with one of our hygienists.
Keeping it Clean Between Visits
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
However, we do understand that everyone’s needs are different and a visit to our hygienist will help to create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
For some people, this may mean visiting more frequently to keep an existing gum disease condition at bay.
Healthy Gums Are Important
Gum disease manifests in two main stages. The first stage is known as gingivitis, a treatable and reversible condition. Gingivitis occurs when a build-up of bacteria called plaque begins to attack the gums and surrounding tissues. Symptoms include red, swollen or puffy gums which may bleed easily when brushing. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease that happens below the gum. The bacteria build up below the gum destroys the ligaments and bone that supports the teeth. One of the most common signs of gum disease is bad breath. The effects of advanced gum disease are irreversible but can be slowed down and managed by a hygienist for periodontal treatment and root planing.
Healthy gums make it possible to keep your natural teeth for life, but when gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and can have far-reaching consequences for overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is oral hygiene important?
Good oral hygiene is about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in order to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These dental problems when left untreated can erode teeth and cause gums to pull away, weakening the tooth structure and resulting in tooth loss. Tooth loss affects the way you eat and speak and can create teeth alignment issues, jawbone deterioration and a sagging facial appearance.
What is the correct bushing technique?
Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle with the bristles at the gumline and brush your teeth using a gentle circular motion. Start at the back of the mouth and carefully brush along the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. Remember to clean the inner front top and bottom teeth surfaces too.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
Both electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective at cleaning teeth and gums when using the correct brushing technique. It comes down to personal preference, however, younger children can find brushing more enjoyable with an electric toothbrush. A built-in timer also makes it easier to brush for the full 2 minutes.
If you prefer more control, a manual toothbrush may be easier to use, especially if you have existing dental conditions. Ask your dentist for their professional advice on the best toothbrush for your needs.
Toothbrush bristles mustn’t be hard as they can damage tooth enamel and cause gums to recede, and be sure to change the brush head every 3 months before they fray and become less effective.
What order should I brush and floss my teeth?
New research has shown the best order to clean teeth is to floss before you brush. By flossing first, you loosen plaque, bacteria and food particles between teeth before brushing removes them.
What is fluoride and is it safe?
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that’s found in soil, rocks, grains, vegetables and fresh and salt water. Fluoride has been found to strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from bacteria-causing decay across a wide number of research studies.
Most of Australia’s tap water has contained added fluoride as part of a community water fluoridation program, since the 1960’s, and has significantly contributed to improving Australian’s oral health. Fluoride is added to water treatment plants in safe levels that comply with the Australian drinking water guidelines.
In the past, there have been speculations that fluoride causes harmful effects, however, there is no scientific or clinical evidence that proves it. In over 30,000 studies, no evidence has been found that suggests fluoride when consumed in recommended levels is harmful.
CONSULTATIONS
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NEW PATIENT OFFER $350
Comprehensive Dental Assessment for $350 (valued at $516) includes:
- Comprehensive examination
- 2 check-up x-rays (if required)
- Full mouth panoramic x-ray (if required)
- Treatment planning