What is gum disease?
Gum disease is the term used for an array of conditions that affect the gums and tissues that support the teeth. Common gum problems include gingivitis and periodontitis.
How do I prevent gum disease?
A good oral hygiene routine, including cleaning in between the teeth, and attending regular check-ups is vital in keeping gum disease at bay.
During your check-up, your dental team will ask questions about your lifestyle and assess the gums to determine your risk of gum disease. In the early stages, gum problems are reversible and can be treated by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Importance of Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is crucial for maintaining both oral health and overall well-being. Here are the key 10 reasons why dental hygiene is so important:
1. Prevention of Tooth Decay and Cavities
• Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
• Maintaining good dental hygiene helps to prevent the formation of cavities, which can lead to tooth damage, pain, and more extensive dental treatments like fillings or crowns.
2. Prevention of Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
• Gum disease is one of the most common consequences of poor dental hygiene. It begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis, where the gums and supporting bone are damaged.
• Proper brushing and flossing help remove biofilm and bacteria from the gum line, reducing the risk of infection, inflammation, and ultimately, tooth loss.
3. Avoiding Tooth Loss
• Gum disease and untreated cavities can eventually lead to tooth loss. Consistent dental hygiene, including regular visits to the dentist, helps to preserve the natural structure of your teeth and prevent tooth loss from decay or periodontal disease.
• Once a tooth is lost, it can impact chewing, speech, and cause shifting of other teeth, leading to more serious complications.
4. Maintaining Fresh Breath
• Poor dental hygiene often results in bad breath (halitosis), caused by the buildup of food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings remove these particles and reduce bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
5. Enhancing Aesthetic Appearance
• Good dental hygiene helps keep teeth white, clean, and stain-free. Regular brushing and professional cleanings remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages (such as coffee and tea), and habits like smoking, helping to maintain an attractive smile.
6. Prevention of Tartar Buildup
• Plaque, when not regularly removed, hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. Tartar can cause both gum disease and tooth decay. By practicing good oral hygiene, you minimize plaque buildup and prevent the formation of tartar.
7. Early Detection of Oral Health Issues
• Regular dental hygiene appointments provide an opportunity for early detection of potential oral health problems, such as:
o Cavities
o Gum disease
o Oral infections
o Oral cancer
• Early detection often leads to simpler, more effective treatments, preventing the progression of oral health issues into more severe problems.
8. Systemic Health Benefits
• Research shows a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to or worsen several systemic health conditions.
9. Improved Confidence and Quality of Life
• A healthy smile contributes to self-confidence and can positively impact social and professional interactions. Dental hygiene helps maintain a bright, clean smile, improving how you feel about your appearance.
• Additionally, maintaining oral health reduces the likelihood of discomfort or pain from dental issues, improving your overall quality of life.
10. Saving Money in the Long Run
• Preventive dental hygiene practices, such as regular cleanings and exams, are far less expensive than treatments for advanced dental problems like root canals, extractions, gum surgeries, or dental implants.
• Consistent oral hygiene can help avoid costly and invasive dental procedures by preventing decay, gum disease, and other complications from developing.
• Other factors which increase the risk of gum disease are:
• Smoking
Drinking high sugar / carbonated drinks
Diabetes
Undergoing cancer treatments
Crowded teeth
A weakened immune system
Medication side effects
We offer the gold standard Guided Biofilm Therapy form is dental hygiene. To book please click her or if you wish us to contact you please complete the form below. For further information please click here.
Difference between Routine Dental Hygiene and Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
Routine dental hygiene uses manual hand scalers or ultrasonic scalers to scrape off visible plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from above and below the gum line. This is usually followed by polishing and flossing. This is a largely reactive process focuses on visible established debris. It can be quite painful.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a more advanced, systematic approach to managing biofilm (the bacterial layer that forms on the teeth and gums). The protocol is designed to be proactive, targeting biofilm early to stop it from becoming harmful. It is more thorough than routine hygiene as well as focuses on both disease prevention and maintaining oral health over time
GBT focuses on personalized, minimally invasive treatment to remove biofilm, plaque, and stains using modern technologies like Airflow, and it follows a structured 8-step protocol. A special dye is applied to the teeth to highlight areas where biofilm is present. This provides both the patient and hygienist with a clear view of where biofilm is concentrated. It is an Airflow device is used to gently and effectively remove biofilm, stains, and plaque from teeth, gums, and implants using a mix of air, water, and powder. Perioflow is used for biofilm in deeper periodontal pockets.
Long Term Benefits
Unlike to routine dental hygiene, GBT focuses on long-term prevention. By systematically managing biofilm and monitoring its presence over time, GBT helps patients avoid issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and implant complications. It also emphasizes patient education and home-care habits to reduce biofilm buildup between visits.
Suitable Patients:
• All patients!
• Patients with a history of periodontal disease: GBT can target biofilm deep within gum pockets.
• Patients with dental implants: Airflow and Perioflow are gentle and effective for cleaning around implants.
• Patients with braces or orthodontic appliances: GBT can remove biofilm from hard-to-reach places around brackets and wires.
• Patients with sensitivity: GBT’s gentle approach makes it more comfortable for those with sensitive teeth or gums.
• Patients who prioritize prevention: Since GBT focuses on long-term oral health, it’s great for those who want to prevent disease before it occurs.