If you are overdue for a dental hygiene checkup, the team at Preston Circus Dental Practice will be glad to assist you. There is now increasing evidence linking gum disease with heart disease and strokes. It is also the main reason for tooth loss and, as such, we take the treatment of gum disease very seriously. Book an appointment with our dental hygienists in Brighton today by calling our reception.
Our dental hygienists have three main roles:
- Removing calculus (tartar from teeth), this is done by a technique called scaling and polishing.
- Treating gum disease (also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease), this is caused by plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria. If left untreated your gums will start to swell and bleed and will ultimately result in tooth loss. Tooth loss is not through age – it is because of gum disease.
- Teaching patients good oral hygiene techniques – individually tailored to specific needs.
Common dental related issues to discuss with your dental hygienist:
Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting the dentist. Causes include infrequent brushing and flossing, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking and diet. Your hygienist may suggest using a tongue scraper, chewing sugarless gum, gargling with mouthwash and drinking lots of water.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque. As the bacteria spread below the gum line, the gums and bone around the teeth begin to break down and can lead to loose teeth. Quite often, symptoms do not appear until the late stages, which is one reason why regular hygiene visits are encouraged. Possible early signs include: receding gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, sores in your mouth or loose or separating teeth.
By examining your X-rays and probing, your hygienist can tell how much bone loss your periodontitis has caused. Once your stage of the periodontal disease has been determined, your hygienist will work with your dentist to personalise a treatment plan, which may include home care, Soft Tissue Management or a referral to a periodontist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a very common concern. Symptoms often arise after drinking hot or cold drinks or foods and sweets. Sensitivity is easily treated with fluoride. Your hygienist will often suggest using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, certain diseases and infections and medical treatments. It can also be a result of nerve damage, dehydration and lifestyle (smoking or chewing tobacco).
Symptoms include frequent thirst, dryness in the mouth, sores in the mouth, cracked lips, dry and red tongue, problems speaking or trouble tasting, sore throat and bad breath.
Your hygienist will discuss home care solutions to help combat dry mouth.
To book an appointment with one of our dental hygienists in Brighton, please contact our friendly reception team today.
FAQs about our dental hygienist services
How often do I need to visit a dental hygienist?
The frequency of dental hygiene visits can vary depending on individual factors such as your oral health status, medical conditions, age, and your lifestyle habits. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to visit our dental hygienist at least once every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup.
What will the hygienist do in the session?
During a dental hygiene session, our hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This typically involves several steps including assessing your teeth and gums, scaling, polishing, flossing, and in some cases fluoride treatment.
Throughout the session, our hygienist will also provide education and guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing and flossing, and offer tips for maintaining good oral health between visits. They may also recommend additional treatments or procedures if any issues are detected during the exam.
Why is oral health so important?
Oral health is important for several reasons. It helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it helps to maintain your overall health (poor oral health has been linked to several other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes), it helps to improve your self-confidence and, in the long run, will help save you money by avoiding more costly dental treatments.
Why travel to Brighton for my hygienist appointment?
Patients travel to our clinic in Brighton from across East Sussex and beyond as we provide an exceptional standard of patient service, we are very good with nervous patients, and our staff are highly trained and skilled. In addition, we are situated close to the major attractions that Brighton has to offer, so you can coincide your visit with leisure time on the beach or shopping.
