Preventive Dentistry
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene treatment is delivered by a dental hygienist who will help to remove any plaque from your teeth that may have built up in certain areas.
Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes, this process is also known as scaling and polishing. An important aspect of the hygienist's role is to show you how to look after your teeth, so they remain free from plaque. You will be advised on the best brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.
Dental hygiene at the dental practice also forms part of treating gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment, or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that the hygienist will be able to assist you with.
It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.
Gums treatment
Your gums are like cushions for your teeth: they surround the teeth in the jaws and help to support them. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth. Red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush them could be a sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.
When gingivitis is left untreated it can develop further into a type of infection known as periodontitis, which affects the entire area surrounding the tooth. A result of this could be losing your tooth so it's vital to avoid.
To keep your mouth in tip-top shape we recommend you come in for regular hygiene appointments and dental check-ups.
In some cases, the treatment includes wearing a hard plastic appliance at night. This is made to measure and fitted onto your bite accurately, so that when you bite on it, your teeth are in a position where your muscles are relaxed. This also stops your teeth from becoming worn down by grinding and protects them.
Depending on the origin and severity of your problem, you may need orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. Other solutions may include replacing missing teeth or adjusting any ill-fitting bridgework that you may have.
Jaw problems, Bruxism, Grinding
The way your teeth meet when your top and bottom jaws close on top of each other is known as your 'bite'. If your teeth don't fit together properly, you could have malocclusion or 'bad bite', which can cause problems with your teeth, gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles in your face.
This misalignment, often referred to as TMJ disorder, can also cause some people to clench the jaw and grind their teeth at night. This can lead to facial pain, headaches, discomfort and clicking when biting or chewing, migraines as well as neck and shoulder pain, even back pain. If you recognise any of these symptoms or suffer with these daily, you will need to see a dentist to treat your problems or refer you to a specialist if necessary.