Hygiene and cleaning

Every dental clinic has a support team and one of the most important roles is that of the dental hygienist who performs a range of tasks to assist both the dentist and the patient.

The dental hygienists at our UDP scale, clean and polish teeth to remove plaque and stains and check for any signs of oral disease, cancer or gingivitis. They also carry out treatment for existing gum disease, apply sealants and fluorides, and carry out x-rays to be analysed by the dentist. Hygienists can also show patients the correct way to clean their teeth and advise on suitable oral health products.

Dentists, on the other hand, diagnose oral problems, analyse x-rays, perform tooth extractions and carry out restorative procedures such as dental fillings, crowns, and root canals. Both hygienists and dentists are qualified professionals but a dentist will have undergone considerably more training.

There are many reasons that you could be suffering from bad breath or halitosis as it is known in dental terms. The most common reason is a build-up of plaque or tartar in the mouth that has led to gum disease. By-products of gum disease and bacteria cause an offensive smell. Without regular brushing and flossing bacteria accumulate on food debris that may have got lodged between the teeth and release sulphur compounds that cause the breath to smell.

Certain foods like onions and garlic can also contribute to bad breath because they contain strong oils that travel to the lungs and are emitted from the mouth. Smoking also causes bad breath. If you brush and floss regularly and visit our dental hygienists in UDP for a clean but your bad breath persists, it may be worth visiting your doctor to see if they can figure out what’s causing the problem.

Plaque is a clear sticky film formed of harmful bacteria that coat the surface of the teeth. Whenever you eat or drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can destroy the tooth enamel and cause gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria can also attach to the tooth roots and cause the bone that supports the teeth to erode resulting in tooth loss.

While daily brushing and flossing can remove plaque, if it is left it will harden into tartar that can form above and below the gum line. It is impossible to remove with brushing alone which is why it is important to regularly visit our dental hygienist in University who can remove hardened plaque using special dental instruments that won’t damage the surface of the tooth enamel or the gums.

Other remedies provided by our hygienist to keep plaque from forming include dental sealants, fluoride treatments, dry mouth medications to promote more saliva, and anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Sometimes a simple scale, clean and polish by our University hygienist is sufficient to remove stains and leave the teeth looking brighter and cleaner. Other times it may be that your teeth need professional teeth whitening to help them sparkle and dazzle. That said, teeth whitening doesn’t always work for everyone and our private dentist in University may suggest veneers as an alternative long-lasting treatment.

Good results can be achieved with a manual or electric toothbrush provided your technique is up to scratch. However, many people find electric toothbrushes easier to use as they do much of the work for them and they are especially suited to people with limited mobility due to arthritis or carpal tunnel.

Children often find brushing more fun with an electric toothbrush and there are a variety of apps that can be used in conjunction that makes brushing less of a chore. An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer also ensures that you brush long enough to remove plaque from teeth and gums. The hygienists at our UDP will be happy to demonstrate the proper way to brush your teeth with either type of toothbrush.

Flossing is important for the health of your teeth and gums and gets rid of any food debris and bacteria from between your teeth. If you don’t take the time to floss your teeth then you are missing almost 40% of the tooth surfaces in your mouth and leaving these areas more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. Why not ask our dental hygienist at our UDP for tips on flossing. It’s much easier when you have the know-how.