Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Regular dental checks and cleaning are necessary to prevent oral disease, as well as the early detection and intervention of other oral complications to maintain your best oral health.

Even with careful daily brushing and flossing, tartar buildups over time, especially in areas difficult to reach with your toothbrush.

At least twice a year, you should visit your dentist for a routine exam and professional cleaning.

We recognize that a great deal of importance lies in what occurs in between dental visits. We are proud ofour servicesr to patients requiring restoration, but we are committed to helping you avoid problems through preventive treatments and education. If your dentist or hygienist sees a problem area, they will discuss optimal brushing and flossing practices with you for improved oral health.

Your family’s smiles are in good hands with us. Contact us to schedule your exam and cleaning.

Hygienist session

Dental hygiene is a cleaning treatment performed to clean the teeth thoroughly and near the gum line, eliminating bacteria created by bacteria. It is a necessary dental treatment to stop gingivitis and periodontal disease progression.

Hygiene is an effective procedure for keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.

The benefits include:

  • Plaque Removal: Helps eliminate plaque that can lead to dental issues.
  • Tartar Buildup Prevention: Prevents the accumulation of tartar (calculus) above and below the gum line.
  • Periodontal Health: Reduces the risk of severe gum diseases by addressing buildup in gum pockets.
  • Limitations of Home Care: Brushing and flossing alone cannot remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits.
  • Professional Cleaning: Dentists and hygienists use specialized equipment to detect and remove harmful buildup.

A healthier-looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the aesthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains. (Sparkle polish)

Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

Deep cleanings are also provided for the treatment and management of gum disease. These cleanings focus on removing bacteria from beneath the gums, where they pose a serious threat to stability. Deep cleaning for gum disease is called root planing and scaling. Root planing is gently removing debris from the surface of affected roots. After eliminating harmful substances, the roots are then scaled or smoothed. Combining treatments should decrease the size of pockets between the teeth and gums and improve oral health.

Hygienist visits can be booked at our practice. We recommend a hygienist visit twice annually as a preventative measure, but it should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but a hygiene session is one of the tools we can use to halt its progression effectively.

Periodontal Disease (gum disease)

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Learning you have gum disease can be distressing, especially if you have heard of the variety of health conditions associated with this chronic infection. The truth is that a good percentage of adults have gum disease. This process can begin so mildly that it is barely noticeable, but has the capability of progressing to the point of tooth loss.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, and each person has millions of bacteria living in their mouth. When combined with saliva, food debris, and other particles, bacteria form plaque—a sticky substance that accumulates near the gum line.

Bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and easy bleeding. If this irritation continues, the gums may separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces). As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.

If plaque is not properly removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Periodontal disease can also be accelerated by several factors, including:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Teeth grinding and clenching
  • Certain medications
  • Poor nutrition

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities. In fact, three out of four adults experience some form of gum disease during their lifetime.

The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is through proper daily brushing and flossing. However, even with diligent home care, some individuals may still develop gum disease. Once the disease starts, professional dental intervention is necessary to stop its progression.

Periodontal disease can be accelerated by several factors. However, its primary cause is the bacteria found in dental plaque. Other important factors that can impact gum health include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Teeth grinding and clenching
  • Certain medications
  • Poor nutrition

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria accumulate at the gum line, causing irritation and inflammation. This stage is often difficult to detect, as symptoms may be mild. The gums may appear slightly red and swollen, but the most noticeable sign is bleeding during brushing or flossing.

At this stage, gingivitis affects only the gum tissue and does not impact the underlying bone that supports the teeth. With proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, gingivitis is reversible.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, which means “inflammation around a tooth.” Periodontitis is more severe and results in gum tissue pulling away from the teeth.

As the gums recede, pockets form between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to accumulate and spread below the gum line. The body responds to the infection by breaking down connective tissue and bone, which weakens the support structure of the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis significantly increases the risk of tooth loss.

The most immediate reason to treat gum disease is to prevent tooth loss. However, research shows that gum disease and chronic inflammation may also contribute to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

At Muswell Hill Smile, we provide individualized care to prevent and treat gum disease through early detection and excellent oral hygiene care. If diagnosed, we will create a personalized treatment plan to restore your gum health.

Keep Your Smile Healthy!

Contact us today to schedule your dental check-up and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

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