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As a practice that promotes preventative dentistry and wants to ensure the long-term health of our patients, dental hygiene is paramount.

To make the most of your dental hygiene and help ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, we recommend a three-pronged system of at-home care, regular dental check-ups, and frequent dental hygiene appointments.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

Guided Biofilm Therapy is the systematic, predictable solution for dental biofilm management in professional prophylaxis using state-of-the-art Airflow®, Perioflow® and Piezon® technologies. It is proven by scientific evidence.

Guided Biofilm Therapy consists of treatment protocols based on individual patient diagnosis and risk assessment in order to achieve optimal results. The treatment is given in the least invasive way, with the highest level of comfort, safety and efficiency.

Click here to learn more about GBT

Airflow

Gum disease treatment

If left untreated, gum disease can go on to cause a multitude of further oral health issues, such as receding gums and tooth loss.

When caught early, gum disease is an easily treatable condition. In some cases, we can treat it with additional dental hygiene appointments and good at-home oral hygiene. In more advanced cases, however, it can lead to infection, abscesses, and even the loss of a tooth. This is why we want to avoid it as much as possible and diagnose it as early as possible.

There are several things a patient can do to help prevent gum disease:

  • Brush for two minutes twice a day.
  • Regular interdental cleaning (with floss or interdental brushes).
  • Brushing the tongue as well as the teeth.
  • Regular dental hygiene appointments.
  • Stopping or cutting down on smoking.

FAQs

Why do I need to visit the dental hygienist?

While some patients might think visiting the dental hygienist is just about getting clean and polished, modern advances in technique and technology mean your hygiene appointments are at the forefront of the fight against gum disease.

So, not only will your hygienist be able to provide a professional clean that can’t be matched with at-home care, but they will also be using the time to identify any issues with the gums that could indicate gum disease. Regular visits to the hygienist can also help prevent gum disease and tooth decay from occurring.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is, unfortunately, one of the most common diseases in Europe and one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Also referred to as gingivitis, gum disease can cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding or receding gums, bad breath/halitosis, and a change in colour of the gums to a dusky purple.

It can also increase sensitivity and pain, especially when brushing the teeth. In advanced cases, and if left untreated, gum disease can lead to abscesses, a loose tooth, and the loss of a tooth.

How often should I visit the dental hygienist?

At Walmsley Dental, we recommend that all our patients visit our hygienist once or twice a year. In some cases, we may recommend more appointments – this could be to help tackle any oral health issues you may be having or to help prepare for an upcoming treatment.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque in the mouth. This sticky film of bacteria builds up and hardens, causing the gums to become red and swollen and, in some cases, to bleed.

It can then spread to the bones surrounding the gums if left untreated and make it painful for the patient to chew and eat. Eventually, gum disease can lead to an abscess, a loose tooth, and the total loss of a tooth.

What causes plaque build-up?

A build-up of plaque in the mouth is usually caused by poor hygiene habits. If you’re not brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and regular flossing, you could be at risk of gum disease.

What symptoms are associated with gum disease?

  • Bleeding gums.
  • Receding gums.
  • Change in colour of the gums – to either red or dusky purple.
  • Bad breath.
  • Abscess.
  • Loose tooth or teeth.

What happens during a hygiene appointment?

Your hygienist will first carry out a full examination of the gums and other structures of support in the mouth, checking for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. They will then perform a thorough, professional cleaning finishing off with polish so that your teeth look and feel great.

During this time, they will also be able to go over your at-home routine and make recommendations on how to improve it based on your own particular health needs.

How to brush

For more information regarding this treatment
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