Dental HYGIENE & PREVENTION

Professional oral hygiene services in Canterbury

ORAL HYGIENE

At A1 Dental, our dentists work closely with our hygiene team as part of our mission to keep patients healthy and prevent dental problems from occurring. The hygienist’s job is effectively at the front line of dental health, keeping your teeth and gums in top condition by preventing plaque and tartar from causing cavities and gum disease.

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The hygienist uses a number of approaches to achieve this: the practical approach, which involves carrying out a professional deep-clean, or scale and polish; and the educational approach, making sure patients’ diets and lifestyles aren’t impacting negatively on their oral health, and equipping them with the skills and techniques for effective oral hygiene at home.

We place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of regular hygiene visits here at A1 Dental. While your dentist will be able to identify and treat dental problems as they arise, the hygienist can prevent those problems from occurring in the first place. A regular hygiene appointment will allow the hygienist to clean your teeth in places brushing can’t reach, and ensure you’re armed with the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques on maintaining your own oral hygiene at home.

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PREVENTING TOOTH & GUM PROBLEMS

Oral health education is a key part of our remit at A1 Dental – as dentists and hygienists, our priority is keeping you dentally fit for life. There is a proven connection between poor oral hygiene and chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease – so if you carry out the basic care required to keep your teeth and gums clean, you are not only insuring yourself against the future costs of dental work but mitigating against future health problems, too.

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Tooth decay and gum disease are the two main reasons teeth fall out – but they are both entirely preventable if you take the following actions:

  • Visit your dentist as advised for check-ups.
  • Visit your hygienist twice a year for a professional deep clean.
  • Follow your hygienist’s advice on products and techniques for cleaning teeth at home.
  • Eat a balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary and acidic food and drink.
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    What treatments can the hygienist offer?

    The hygienist will carry out a scale and polish – a professional deep clean that removes disease-causing plaque and tartar from under and around the gum line. The hygienist is also qualified to advise you on the latest techniques and products for effective cleaning at home, as well as tips on diet, nutrition and lifestyle issues such as smoking and alcohol intake.

    Does it hurt to get a scale and polish?

    Not usually, though if your gums are very sensitive the hygienist can use anaesthetic gel to alleviate any discomfort.

    How often should I see my hygienist?

    If you have good oral health, we generally recommend seeing the hygienist twice a year. If you’ve had dental implants or tooth restorations, you may be required to visit more frequently to ensure plaque is being kept under control effectively around your prosthetic restorations.