The best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums is the easiest way!
As they say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ and that’s especially true when it comes to the health of your teeth.
In fact, one of the easiest, most effective (and cheapest!) ways to maintain a healthy smile throughout your lifetime is by having a good oral health routine, including regular scale + polish.
Plaque means business
Even if you brush your teeth regularly, plaque will still build up over time. And if this build up goes untreated your teeth will decay, causing a foul odour and eventually tooth loss. Your gums can also become infected and inflamed (gingivitis).
It’s also worth noting that nearly 90% of adults will experience gum disease at least once in their lifetime so if you have restorations like veneers, crowns or implants regular hygiene appointments are even more crucial to protect your smile.
If you are currently experiencing any of the following symptoms you should book an appointment immediately:
A taste of blood or other peculiar tastes in your mouth
Swollen, bruised or tender areas of gum, especially in between your teeth
Blood in your mouth, or on your teeth, especially on awakening
Areas around your teeth where it is difficult or painful to remove food
Loose teeth
Teeth changing position or drifting out of alignment
Swelling or any discharge such as pus on or around your gums
Increased sensitivity to temperature change
Receding gums
The prevention of gum disease
A whiter, more dazzling smile
Reduction of bad breath i.e. Halitosis
Early detection of oral cancer
Prevent tooth loss from gum disease
Detection of other diseases including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory problems
Over time your teeth will naturally begin to lose their lustre and become stained from everyday living- especially if you smoke and drink tea, coffee and/or red wine.
In the past, dental hygienists would traditionally use scalers and abrasive pastes which could be uncomfortable for the patient and even make it easier for stains to build up again.
The air polishing technique, however, uses a controlled jet of air, water and a fine powder polish to remove plaque, stains and soft deposits. It’s far more effective, efficient and comfortable than the old scale and polish technique.
Best of all it’s incredibly safe and can be used in areas where veneers, bridges, crowns, implants and orthodontics are present.
Air polishing not only gives your teeth a cleaner look and feel but it’s perfect for people with sensitive teeth. With the air polishing treatment there is no direct contact with your teeth, nor is there any uncomfortable heat or vibrations. Also, the microparticles in the cleaning powder can fill dentine tubules and reduce any tooth sensitivity you might already have.
The air polishing treatment is also very effective at removing surface stains on your teeth. Because of its ‘jet’ action, this technique is over three times faster at removing plaque and stains compared to the more traditional methods. So that means less time in our hygienist’s chair and fewer visits to our practice for stain removal.
Maintenance is key
We’ve said it before but it’s worth mentioning again: regular dental and hygiene visits are essential to achieving and maintaining a beautiful smile with strong, healthy teeth.
We also recommend visiting our hygienist every six months, but it can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Your dentist will discuss your personalised oral health routine during your visit.
Seeing a hygienist is easier than ever
At Castlebawn Dental Practice we offer a direct access service to make it easier than ever to see our hygienist. Direct access means our hygienist can carry out a full scope of services, except tooth whitening, without you needing to see a dentist first.
Fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Newtownards
63 South Street
Newtownards
BT23 4JU
Bangor
32-34 Victoria Road
Bangor
BT20 5EX