Why Is Dental Hygiene Important?
Patients visit me regularly for dental hygiene at Dental Health and Aesthetics (DHA), Leigh-On-Sea in Essex. The start of the appointment tends to be me asking questions regarding oral health. The response I get to one particular question is:
But I never have time to floss?!
Well, you have never had more time on your hands than you do now. In quite remarkable circumstances and ‘unprecedented’ (that word again) times, most of us find ourselves working from home, or if you’re like me, not working at all.
Dental hygiene has become the norm within dentistry. It is the key foundation to stabilising any dental work. You should have near on immaculate or ‘stable’ dental hygiene if you plan to take on any cosmetic work including:
- Whitening
- Composite Bonding
- Fillings
- Invisalign
- ANY DENTAL TREATMENT WHATSOEVER.
You can’t build a house on sand!
If you are planning on any of the above, your dental care professional should morally make sure your gum health is ‘dentally fit’ before commencing with any of the above.
So, what is good ‘oral hygiene?
Regular visits to see your dental hygienist alongside dental check-ups. This can be every 3/6 months, sometimes more depending on the advice of your dental hygienist. Maintenance is the key.
Using an electric toothbrush twice a day for 2 minutes, 30 seconds in each quadrant of the mouth. Ideally a brush with a pressure sensor to stop you over brushing or pushing too hard.
Interdental cleaning or that scary word…flossing! This can be with floss/floss tape or interdental aids such as brushes, water piks, air flossers, tufted brushes, flossettes… the list goes on.
Fluoride use part 1 toothpast- Spit don’t rinse when using toothpaste (brushing teeth).
Fluoride use part 2 mouthwash – Use mouthwash separately to using toothpaste.
Personal health has been on the forefront of people’s minds and should include the mouth. So, we may be run down, have a low mood and increased anxiety, and unfortunately this can affect our health and our drive. Our mouths are vulnerable to infection and disease due to all the bacteria that live in there. If we don’t manage and maintain this, the balance tips in favour of the bacteria and we get problems!
So, there are many benefits to maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing a hygienist, right? These Include:
- Reduce Staining.
- Fresh breath.
- Prevent bleeding gums (gum disease) and ultimately tooth loss.
- Prevent sensitivity.
- Regular visits reduce the risk of oral cancer.
Maintenance is better than cure.
So, come see me for Dental Hygiene at DHA. Regular maintenance with a friendly service. Not only that, we offer a walk-in service, meaning you don’t have to see a dentist initially to have a hygiene appointment. It’s never been so easy.