Hygiene Services

Everybody knows that good dental hygiene is important. But regular brushing and flossing is not always enough to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Regular visits to our skilled hygienists can help prevent tooth and gum problems and keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy.

Common Problems

Gingivitis

Nearly all adults suffer from Gingivitis (or ‘gum disease’) to some degree.

It is caused by a soft sticky substance called plaque that builds up along the gum line. Plaque is made up of harmful bacteria which can cause infections in your gums. This causes them to become red and puffy.

If plaque is not removed it hardens and forms calculus (also known as tartar) on your teeth. This leaves them discoloured, and can lead to further problems.

Tooth brushing alone cannot remove calculus. It requires specialist scaling by professional dentist or hygienist.

Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth is one of the earliest signs of gingivitis. At this early stage gum disease is reversible. Regular visits to the hygienist can clear away plaque build up and healthy gums.

Periodontitis

If Gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to a more severe condition called Periodontitis. This is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

The infection moves into the deeper tissues of the tooth, eventually reaching the bone.

As the disease progresses it damages the bone supporting the teeth. Painful abscesses can form.

Teeth become loose and may eventually be lost.

Look out for the following symptoms:

gums that have come away from the teeth
pus between the teeth and gums
persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
permanent teeth that are loose or changing position