Hygiene & Prevention

We may recommend that you see one of our hygienists for a dedicated session of cleaning. Most people benefit from regular professional cleaning as this significantly reduces the risk of gum disease. Did you know that gum disease is believed to be the commonest disease in the world and yet it is easily prevented with good oral hygiene!

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is caused by the presence of certain bad bacteria on your teeth. The bacteria accumulate to form soft deposits or plaque. These deposits can easily be removed by brushing and flossing. In most people these deposits harden over time to form tartar which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Tartar can only be removed by gently scaling the teeth which our hygienists can do for you. The hygienist will also spend time going over cleaning between your teeth either with floss or very small interdental brushes. Good hygiene at home is essential to prevent problems.

Excellent oral hygiene not only prevents gum disease but reduces dental decay too. Decay is prevented by good brushing with fluoride toothpaste and avoiding eating sugary foods and drinks between meals. This can be difficult with our modern diets as many foods contain hidden refined sugars. Use of fluoride toothpaste reduces the rate of decay by 20%. We recommend that you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and carry out thorough interdental cleaning at least once a day.