General Oral Hygiene Care

General Maintenance

Our experienced Oral Health Therapists's main role is to help you treat and prevent gum disease. This is done through an initial gum health assessment followed by cleaning your teeth - a process called scaling and polishing. They carefully remove any build up of plaque or hard deposits of calculus (tartar) above and below the gum using manual or ultrasonic instruments. 
At every visit, your dental hygienist will:
  • Review and update your medical history
  • Perform a thorough gum pocket check (gum health assesment) - 6 points per tooth
  • Take updated digital photos
  • Perform comprehensive scaling and root planing both above and below your gum line
  • Polish your teeth - special care will be given to cosmetic restorations
  • Apply fluoride if needed
  • Provide oral hygiene & dietary advice

Oral Hygiene Advice 

When you visit one of our friendly Oral Health Therapists, they will also give you advice about your daily maintenance routine so that you can keep your mouth in tip-top condition. 

For example, brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene.  Although twice-a-year professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent homecare methods are equally valuable.  Our Oral Health Therapists will show you the proper brushing and flossing techniques that can enhance the health of the mouth, make your smile sparkle and prevent serious diseases.

Certain products may be recommended to you to help supplement your mechanical cleaning to assist in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Dietary Advice

Did you know that every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour? This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce harmful acids. So it is important to have sugary foods or drinks just at mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.
Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful. The acid ‘erodes' (dissolves the enamel), exposing the dentine underneath. This can make your teeth sensitive and unsightly.
A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause bad breath. 

Your friendly Oral Health Therapists  can provide you with dietary dental advice to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. Also recommend to you any products you may need to assist in lessening the ill effects that some food, drinks and bad habits may cause.