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Hygienist

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Manchester Hygienist and teeth cleaning services

As a practice dedicated to prevention, we have highly qualified hygienists who are able to professionally clean your teeth and show you the best way to keep them free of plaque.

While dentists concentrate on treating your teeth, the dental hygienist performs an equally vital job in helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Doing so goes a long way in preventing problems in the first place which is why we recommend that you see a hygienist every six months.

      Dental hygienists are specially qualified to:

 

  • Check teeth and gums for problems
  • Discuss oral health and how to prevent decay
  • Give oral hygiene advice on, for example, brushing techniques, problem foods and flossing
  • Perform routine gum checks to look for bleeding or plaque which shouldn’t be there
  • Remove plaques and stains
  • Give your teeth a good polish

Information about gum health

The gums (gingiva) are the lining of the mouth; they form part of the attachment that anchor the teeth to the jaw and should be lovely and pink.

Healthy gums are an essential part of a healthy smile and as new research shows a healthy body! When you visit your dentist or hygienist they will use a probe to check how tight the gum is attached to the tooth.

Gum disease

There are different types disease affecting the gums.The most common cause of gum disease is the build up of dental plaque.

Plaque is pale yellow deposit which builds up on the teeth. It starts to form immediately after brushing! Plaque is made up of more than 1,000 different types of bacteria. They form a complex ecosystem called a biofilm. As long as the plaque is removed it has a protective effect. If left for longer periods of time, more harmful bacteria multiply, which cause gum disease and systemic disease. The plaque starts to harden after about 48hrs to become a substance called tarter (calculus). Tarter, similar to lime scale in the bathroom is difficult to remove and needs the help of a dental hygienist. The bacteria in plaque breaks down sugar and releases acid which causes tooth decay. Saliva cannot penetrate the plaque to neutralize the acid therefore the decay process is accelerated.

Gum disease has been shown to affect the general health of the body. Research has found that people with gum disease (periodontal disease) have an increased incidence of: Heart disease and stroke, diabetes instability, premature birth and low birth weight, respiratory disease e.g. pneumonia.

Main types of gum disease

Gingivitis

The gums will appear red and swollen and will bleed when brushed, flossed or touched. The most common cause is due to a build up of plaque and tarter.

Poor fitting dental crowns or over hanging fillings can trap plaque and cause gingivitis. Some medications can cause the gums to overgrow. A dry mouth or mouth breathing can also cause gingivitis.

How do dentists and hygienists treat gingivitis?

Gingivitis
The most important part of the treatment is to help you achieve a good tooth cleaning technique. This is much more important than any cleaning the dentist or hygienist does. If you are not cleaning of the plaque regularly, the disease process will continue no matter how well the hygienist or dentist treat you. Your cleaning is the most important part of the treatment!

 

Once you have a good technique, the dentist can remove any other factors such as over-hanging fillings or poor fitting crowns. The hygienist will remove any tarter which makes removing plaque very difficult. Occasionally your mediation may need to be altered.

 

 

Only you have the power to prevent gingivitis! By using a good brushing technique at least twice a day and cleaning in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss. Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist are essential to spot signs of gingivitis and the provision of tooth cleaning advice.

 

 

Periodontal disease

This is the breakdown of the bone and gum attachment of the teeth. This is the most common cause of tooth loss. As the disease progresses you can experience: sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, multiple infections (abscesses), long looking teeth, pain,movement / drifting of teeth. The end point in severe periodontal disease is tooth loss.

Plaque
Tarter and plaque have made the gum attachment looser. The gums are swollen and bleed. Early bone loss can be seen. If treated at this stage the survival chance of the tooth is good.

pocket
The gum attachment is deeper, a “pocket” containing more harmful bacteria results in loss of the bone which supports the tooth. The long term survival chance of this tooth is poor.
Bone-loss

Bone and gum loss due to advanced periodontal disease.

An x-ray picture of the upper and lower jaw shows the bone levels around the teeth.
x-ray
The yellow line shows where the bone level was before the periodontal disease.

 

What causes periodontal disease?

The progression of periodontal disease depends on your susceptibility and the type of plaque on the gums and teeth. Things that make you more susceptible to periodontal disease: Hereditary, (i.e. if your mother and father had gum problems), health problems e.g. diabetes, stress, smoking, a traumatic bite, tooth grinding, poorly fitting dental work, a dry mouth, immunosuppression drugs and a poor diet.

 

The most common cause is due to a build up of plaque and tarter. The longer the plaque has been present the more harmful the bacteria can be.

 

 

The most important part of the treatment is to help you achieve a good tooth cleaning technique. This is much more important than any cleaning the dentist or hygienist does. If you are not cleaning of the plaque regularly, the disease process will continue no matter how well the hygienist or dentist treat you. Your cleaning is the most important part of the treatment!

 

The hygienist or dentist will remove any plaque and tarter from above and below your gums. For your comfort, local anaesthetic is usually needed to numb the gums to ensure the roots of the teeth can be cleaned thoroughly.

Once you have a good cleaning technique, the dentist can remove any other factors such as over-hanging fillings or poor fitting crowns. Your bite can be analysed and if it is a contributing factor a bite balancing procedure can be performed.

 

 

The most important things are: By using a good brushing technique at least twice a day. Cleaning in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss. Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist are essential to spot signs of periodontal disease and the provision of tooth cleaning advice.

 

 

 

Q&A about visiting the hygienist

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about a visit to the hygienist. And for any questions we haven’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Why do I need to visit a hygienist?

It’s important to visit your hygienist twice a year to keep your teeth and gums in best possible condition. A regular scale and polish can help prevent a number of oral health problems and hygienists can also help give preventative advice to keep your mouth healthy in-between visits.

 

 

On average a hygienist appointment takes no more than 30 minutes although this does depend on the state of your teeth and gums. At 360 Dental Care we take our time to make sure our patients receive the best possible care and advice at every visit.

 

 

Normally our hygienist will clean and scale your teeth e.g. remove tarter (hardened plaque) and staining which has built up since your last appointment. They will also leave time to discuss any general problems or concerns you might have and give you advice on toothbrushing to keep your mouth in tip top condition.

 

 

Your dentist can clean your teeth if it is more convenient or if you would prefer however hygienist are exceptionally skilled in cleaning and maintaining the health of your gums.

 

 

Usually no. However if your teeth and gums are perhaps a little unhealthy, or if you haven’t been to the hygienist for a while the procedure might be a little sensitive, local anaesthetic can be used if discomfort is anticipated to prevent you from feeling any sensitivity during more intensive cleanings.