How to Take Care of Dental Hygiene
We all know dental hygiene is important and we know some steps we can take to keep on top of it but do you really know all the things you can do to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums? Here is your gentle reminder about all the things you should be doing daily or regularly to keep on top of it because if you don’t, it could lead to serious complications from tooth decay and gum disease to heart disease and respiratory issues.
What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene should be something that you’re thinking about every day and there should be steps in your daily routine that help to contribute towards it. Dental hygiene refers to the cleanliness and health of your teeth and gums so that means doing things like brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, visiting a dentist and avoiding sugary food and drinks.
But, there’s a little more to it than that. If you really want to take care of your dental hygiene to avoid issues in the future you need to visit a dental hygienist, use interdental brushes, floss and make sure you have the correct toothbrush and toothpaste.
Why is dental hygiene important?
Practising good dental hygiene is important for many reasons. Not only is general dentistry essential for patients suffering from oral conditions, but it also enables these dental problems to be resolved and helps to protect those with healthy teeth and gums from having dental problems in the future. Research indicates that that by not taking care of your oral health you can increase your risk of a stroke, heart disease, respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Gum disease
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults and tooth decay is a growing problem for children even as young as four. Bacteria thrive in the plaque and tartar on your teeth, causing gum irritation and bleeding. If left unresolved this eventually results in the gums becoming infected and causing teeth to become loose. A mouth full of bacteria would also cause ulcers and even tonsillitis, all of which can be very painful.
Regular professional removal of bacteria and plaque by the hygienist is essential in maintaining healthy gums. Our hygienist at Didsbury Dental Practice is very experienced and as well as cleaning and polishing your teeth will also give you advice on your diet and how to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Beyond the mouth
You may be surprised to learn that having poor dental hygiene can have an impact beyond your teeth and gums. Having any kind of infection in the body produces a response of increased production of white blood cells to fight the infection, which causes the body temperature to rise, sometimes resulting in fever, as well as painful glands and swelling in the infected area. An untreated infection in our mouths can cause each of these symptoms, which can then cause inflammation of the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular refers to the heart and blood system in the body which is responsible for supplying the whole body with oxygen and nutrients, so it’s crucial we protect our cardiovascular health as much as possible. Putting pressure on our hearts can lead to very serious complications and can even be fatal, though many people don’t realise the serious knock-on effect that poor dental hygiene can have.
Some diseases can even be first spotted through problems in our mouths, such as diabetes which can cause lesions or infections in the mouth, so looking after our teeth and gums is essential for our overall health.
Taking care of your dental hygiene
There are several easy ways you can look after your teeth and gums. Here is a list of things you can do every day or regularly to keep on top of it:
- Make sure you thoroughly clean your teeth twice a day, using a fully intact toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- User interdental brushes to get in between your teeth and into the small gaps between your teeth and gums as this is where food gets stuck and plaque builds up.
- Use floss to get in between your teeth to get rid of any stuck food and places that are too small to reach even for interdental brushes.
- Using mouthwash helps to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth and freshens your breath too.
- Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups.
- Visit a dental hygienist regularly for a thorough clean and polish of your teeth.
- Avoid sugary food and drink.
Visit a dental hygienist
A dental hygienist isn’t the same as a dentist as they’re purely concerned with the health and cleanliness of your gums and teeth. They will clean them by using a process called a scale and polish, as well as inform you on how to best look after your teeth. They have diplomas in dental hygiene in order to practise and can also perform certain helpful tasks at the dentist’s office like taking an x-ray of your teeth and assessing the general health of your teeth.
When you see a dental hygienist, they’ll usually perform a teeth cleaning, which involves scraping away the plaque from the gaps between your teeth. Plaque is a result of the bacteria in your mouth sticking to your teeth, which is perfectly normal, however, it’s important to brush your teeth to remove as much as possible. Whatever is left behind becomes hard and contributes to tooth decay and the formation of cavities in your teeth, which is why dental hygienists remove it.
A dental hygiene appointment shouldn’t last longer than an hour and is painless. If you experience any discomfort at all, let your dental hygienist know so they can make you feel more comfortable. Your dental hygienist will use specialist tools to scrape away the plaque buildup on your teeth and they will polish them to remove any surface stains. After your appointment, your teeth and gums will feel super clean and your teeth may also be a little whiter.
Didsbury Dental Practice
We are a 24-hour Manchester Dentist offering emergency dental appointments as well as check-ups, dental hygiene appointments and many other dental services. Situated in a lovely leafy neighbourhood of southern Manchester, we are ready to welcome new patients and we look forward to welcoming you to our premier dental facilities.
NHS vs private dentists: what’s the difference?
Using a private dental practice comes with many benefits as there are a few differences between NHS and private dentists. One of the main benefits of choosing a private dental practice like ours is the lessened wait times as our appointments are far more widely available, flexible and efficient than they are at an NHS dentist, which often has too many patients and not enough appointments.
In addition, private dental practices usually have access to more advanced and newer technology and facilities as funding isn’t limited. These are just some of the reasons to choose a private dental practice like ours. For more information on how we are different from an NHS dentist, feel free to contact us.
Put your dental health first and visit Didsbury Dental Practice
Clinical studies prove that regular treatment by a dental hygienist will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, your smile whiter and your breath fresher. That’s why we adopt a preventive approach to dentistry, in which dentists and hygienists work together to ensure you and your family receive comprehensive preventive dental care.
A healthy mouth leads to a healthier you. It not just benefits your own personal comfort but also the way you feel about yourself and are perceived by others. That is why we offer an extensive range of dentistry services to meet the needs of every family member. As well as following the advice above about following good dental health practices every day, book an appointment with Didsbury Dental Practice and allow us to take care of your dental hygiene to an expert standard.
