Oral Hygiene
Prevention is better than cure
Why is oral hygiene so important?
What most people don’t realise, is that inadequate oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss, bone loss and contribute to the development of heart disease. This is why we’re passionate about promoting good oral hygiene habits!
Inadequate oral hygiene can cause gum disease, or Gingivitis, which can cause Periodontitis if untreated. Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation of the gums and bone loss, and can also lead to teeth loss if untreated. Not only this, poor oral health can affect your overall health as bacteria from the gums can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs, starting new infections.
Research shows that this can contribute to the development of heart disease and increase the risk of stroke. It can also pose a serious threat to those with health problems such as diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.
What happens during a hygiene visit?
Your oral hygiene visit will depend on the state of your dental health, so a visit could include a number of diagnostic, preventative or educational services. Diagnostic services could include cavity-detecting x-rays, assessment of gum tissue, or evaluation of any existing dental restorations for example. Where preventative services apply, they may include professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tarter, fluoride application or the removal of any surface stains for example. Educational services offered may include instruction on tooth brushing and flossing or the presentation of prescribed dental treatment.
When should oral hygiene services begin?
It’s generally recommended that children receive oral hygiene treatments as early as two to three years of age. This enables us to create positive experiences for children, setting the stage for lifelong quality dental care.
