While we all (hopefully) brush our teeth twice a day, floss and rinse, there is more to preventive dentistry than just preventing cavities. During your biannual check-up, your dentist may recommend that you visit a dental hygienist in London, to help keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling healthier.
But what can a hygienist in Richmond offer you that a regular dentist can’t? Aren’t they essentially the same thing? Read on to find out how these dental professionals are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Prevents cavities
Many people have a sweet tooth and while this is great in an ice-cream parlour, it can have a serious impact on your teeth’s enamel. So, while brushing your teeth regularly is a great way to prevent cavities from forming, a more thorough clean from an appropriate dental professional is a sure-fire way to keep cavities under control.
This treatment will usually involve a gentle abrasive being applied to your teeth and below your gum line, to remove any stubborn calculus or plaque that may have accumulated. A fluoride sealant is usually applied after this is performed, to prevent any further plaque build-up. This is very beneficial for the teeth as stubborn plaque not only looks unattractive, but it can attract more bacteria to an area, putting it at a higher risk of decay.
Helps reverse gum disease
More adults in The UK today are losing teeth to gum disease than decay; if you spit blood after brushing, it is time to book a periodontal appointment.
This appointment will allow your dentist to identify what the cause is of your gum disease, its progress and its severity. You will then usually be provided with a specialist mouthwash to reduce the inflammation and treat the infection.
You will also be advised on how to prevent it from recurring and may be given prophylactic treatments to use if it begins to flare in the future.
Stain removal
OK, so this is more of an aesthetic thing, but who says preventive dentistry and aesthetics can’t overlap?
With all the sugary and acidic food consumed around the world, dental staining is a very common problem. During your check-up, your dentist will use a cleaning and polishing system to help oxidise your stained teeth and remove the stubborn staining. They may then apply a clear, fluoride coating, that prevents further stains from forming, alongside stopping bacteria from building up in the future.
Dietary and lifestyle advice
No one likes being told what to eat, but what we put into our mouths obviously has a huge impact on our oral health.
If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, it is vital to know how to look after your teeth correctly to prevent issues from occurring. This advice is provided at most dental appointments as well as guidance on quitting smoking, which can cause oral cancer.