How a dental Hygienist treats gum disease?

Nearly every adult in the UK has at some point or is currently experiencing gum disease. It’s an incredibly common and frustratingly preventable dental malady that can be kept at bay with the correct dental hygiene habits at home and visiting your dental hygienist. Learn the signs of gum disease, how to combat it at home, and what our dental hygienist does to prolong the health of your gums.

How gum disease develops

Gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria that forms plaque and sits atop the gum line at the base of your teeth. This sugary film of plaque irritates the gum lining, causing it to inflame and grow sensitive, which is the stage of gum disease called gingivitis. If this is left untreated, your gums may begin to pull away from the base of your teeth and recede, revealing yellow tooth surface that would otherwise be hidden. This stage is known as periodontitis, and if this worsens then you could risk loosened teeth which you may even eventually lose.

The signs of gum disease

• Red, puffy, or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or pressure
• Receding gums that pull away from the bottom of teeth
• Wobbly or loose teeth
• Bad breath

Knowing the signs is very important, because you may find that something you mistook as normal or haven’t paid close attention to is actually a warning sign. Many patients don’t realise how serious gum disease can be until their teeth start to feel a little loose. Gum disease is one of the leading causes for loosing adult teeth, but its very easily preventable…

Preventing gum disease at home

Preventing gum disease at home is as simple as flossing once a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash once a day. Many people brush their teeth but neglect to floss, but actually this is a fairly vital step in your dental hygiene routine. Removing plaque from between your teeth helps to prolong your dental health, and using an antiseptic mouthwash helps to perform liquid exfoliation on your teeth. This also helps to kill any bad bacteria that are lingering, keeping your teeth clean and your breath fresh. These are two essential steps that shouldn’t be skipped, but often are!

How our dental hygienist fights gum disease

Our dental hygienist fights gum disease by performing a professional cleaning on your teeth. We remove plaque from the fronts and backs of your teeth. We also remove tartar, which is hardened plaque, that cannot be removed at home. The hygienist will also be able to spot any warning signs or developing worries to come so we can take action against it. Our dentist may look after your teeth, but our dental hygienist is skilled at maintaining the health of your gums, and both are equally important.

Visit our dental hygienist

You should visit our dental hygienist around 2-3 times a year. This ensures we can keep an eye on any warning signs and regularly perform professional cleanings. We can also assess how your at-home care is going and advise on products, techniques, and alternatives to try should we think them necessary. Remember to floss, mouthwash, and visit our dental hygienist in Steyning, Sussex. Book your initial appointment with us at Down House Dental Practice on 01903 813212 to better your gum health.