Dental Hygiene in Salisbury
Looking after your dental hygiene is crucial for preventing dental problems. Poor dental hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
It is essential to have regular dental hygiene sessions, when our dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup, assess the health of your gums, and provide personalised oral hygiene instructions to help you improve your brushing and flossing techniques at home. Additionally, dental hygiene sessions may include screenings for oral cancer and other dental issues, allowing for early detection and prompt treatment. By attending regular hygiene appointments at Coombe Dental Care, you can keep your smile healthy and bright while reducing the risk of more serious dental problems in the future.
Why do I need periodontal treatment?
Periodontal disease, or gingivitis, is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. It is typically caused by poor dental hygiene habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate along the gumline. Symptoms of gingivitis may include red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. However, if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Therefore, early detection and treatment of gingivitis are essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
What symptoms should I look out for?
The symptoms of gingivitis can vary, but often include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
It is essential to recognise these signs and seek prompt dental care if you experience any of them, as mild gingivitis causes little or no pain and you might not even notice it. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease and even lead to tooth loss.
Who is at risk the most?
Gum disease in general and gingivitis in particular are common. Almost 3 out of 4 adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. Certain groups have an especially high risk:
- People with poorly controlled diabetes
- Pregnant women
- Women taking birth control pills
- People taking steroid medicines
Certain prescription drugs can cause gums to grow too much and become inflamed. These include:
- Anti-seizure medicines, such as Dilantin
- Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine
- Some blood-pressure medicines (calcium channel blockers)
I recognise some of the symptoms, what shall I do?
If you recognise the above-mentioned symptoms, the most important thing to do is to schedule an appointment with our dental clinic in Salisbury for a first consultation.
During your first visit to us, our dental hygienist will examine and probe your gums and ask further questions about your other symptoms and dental hygiene habits. It is essential to inform our hygienists about the medicines you are taking, as they might be contributing to your gingivitis.
After the diagnosis, you will receive a professional dental cleaning, removing the plaque at and just below the gum line. Our dental hygienist will explain the most effective methods of brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is easier to treat if you keep medical conditions, such as diabetes, under control.
And have no fear, gingivitis can disappear within about a week once you start a programme of good oral hygiene.
I do not have any symptoms yet. Can I prevent gingivitis?
Of course, you can. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular check-ups at our dental clinic on Coombe Road, can also help prevent gingivitis from developing. We strongly recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to one year, as this can help to prevent plaque from becoming calculus. The cleaning will also remove calculus that has already formed.
Schedule an appointment with us today for a consultation with our dental hygienist and take action for improved dental hygiene.
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