Why regular dental hygiene check-ups are vital for your oral health
Most of us know that the ideal way to keep your oral health in good condition is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. However, it’s not always possible to remove all plaque and debris from your teeth at home.
That’s why regular dental care check-ups and professional dental cleanings twice a year are also a vital part of the dental hygiene process. Visiting your dental hygienist will help to prevent and detect tooth decay, protecting your teeth and keeping them looking bright and clean.
Why you need to visit your dental hygienist
Even if you are fastidious about your dental care regime at home, making sure to brush and floss twice a day, there are still likely to be parts of your teeth and mouth which you find are hard to reach. Not only that, but your dental hygienist can provide professional cleaning treatments not available to you at home. Here are just some of the reasons you may need to visit a dental hygienist.
- To prevent tooth problems and decay
- To remove stains
- To prevent gum disease
- To help you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible
- To avoid unnecessary visits to your dentist
- To spot warning signs of other health issues
- To prevent bad breath
- To give you a smile you can be confident about
- To look after any dental implants or fillings you already have
What will happen during a professional tooth cleaning session?
When you visit your dental hygienist, they will check your mouth for any signs of gum disease such as bleeding, as well for any plaque or tartar build-up. Your hygienist will then thoroughly clean your gums and teeth using specialised dental equipment, such as an ultrasonic scaler or an Airflow tooth polish. Your hygienist will also polish your teeth with a power toothbrush as well as special toothpaste to give you that fresh, clean feeling you can only achieve after a visit to the dentist.
How can poor dental hygiene affect your overall health?
It’s clear that poor dental hygiene can lead to many problems in your mouth. If plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. You may suffer from tooth decay, and even lose teeth. This could affect your ability to speak and eat properly as well as causing bad breath and leading to the need for extensive dental treatments.
Not only that, but studies have found that poor dental hygiene is linked to wider health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Looking after your teeth and gums with regular dental hygiene check-ups can not only protect the look and function of your teeth but can also safeguard your overall health.
What should I do to practise good dental hygiene at home?
Of course, your dental hygienist can’t be with you 24/7 to make sure you are practising good oral hygiene. So, what can you do at home to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible between visits?
You should brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily as well as flossing at least once a day. Also, use an antibacterial mouthwash to help to remove bacteria from hard-to-reach places inside your mouth. A healthy diet will also help to protect your mouth and you should avoid excess sugar, which can damage your teeth, causing tooth decay and/or gum disease.
By following these guidelines, as well as making sure that you attend regular dental hygiene appointments, you can help to ensure that you retain your natural teeth for as long as possible, keeping them clean, white and healthy.
Call on 0800 849 4959 to find out how our team can help you improve your smile.
