Dental hygiene is all about maintaining a clean, healthy mouth and preventing oral disease. Through daily brushing and flossing, routine dental visits, and professional cleanings, you can effectively prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues while supporting your overall health.
Here are 5 things you can expect during your next hygiene appointment.
1. Review of medical history
The expert hygienist will start by reviewing your medical history such as if there were any changes to medications, allergies or recent illnesses.
2. Oral Examination
The expert hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), tooth decay or other oral health issues. This includes performing deep gum assessments to measure the depth of gum pockets and determine the extent of any periodontal disease.
3. Oral Hygiene Treatment
The hygienist will perform the hygiene treatment in steps which include:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: The hygienist will perform scale and polish of your teeth using advanced technology such as airflow EMS therapy or specialised instruments such as scaler to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, especially along and below the gum line. The cutting-edge Airflow EMS system employs specialised powder technology for the polishing phase, combining controlled air pressure, warm water, and fine powder particles to gently yet thoroughly remove stains, biofilm, and surface deposits. This helps to remove stains and make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate.
- Gingivitis and Periodontal Therapy: Depending on your individual needs, the hygienist may provide superficial gingivitis therapy for early-stage gum inflammation or more intensive periodontitic therapy involving deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) using local anaesthesia to ensure comfort during treatment of advanced gum disease.
4. Oral Hygiene Instructions
The hygienist will provide you with personalised advice on how to properly brush and floss your teeth, and may recommend specific oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or interdental brushes. Additionally, the hygienist will demonstrate proper techniques for cleaning between teeth using various aids including interdental brushes, traditional floss, and water flossers, with each method individually tailored to your specific oral health needs and dexterity.
5. Discussion of Findings and Recommendations
The hygienist will discuss their findings with you and may make recommendations for further dental treatment, if necessary. They may also provide advice on diet, tobacco cessation, or other lifestyle factors that can affect your oral health. The hygienist may then refer you to the dentist for a more comprehensive dental examination and any necessary dental treatment, such as dental fillings, dental crowns, root canals or other specialized care based on your individual needs..
Conclusion
Regular hygiene visits, combined with your daily oral care routine, represent an investment in both your dental health and overall wellness. Our experienced dental team is dedicated to ensuring each visit is comfortable and effective, partnering with you to achieve and maintain excellent oral health for life. Book your next hygiene appointment today.
