Dental Hygiene

Service List

Dental Hygiene
Wellington Dentists 

Book in with a wellington hygienist

Are you struggling with any of the following?

→ Bleeding gums
→ Bad breath
→ Redness and/or swelling of gums
→ Receding gums ( teeth look longer )
→ Sore gums
→ Loose teeth

Then it might be time to book in with a hygienist

How do Hygienists treat the Gums?
First, is a cleaning of the spaces between the affected teeth and gums. This removes all the plaque and the Tartar which is mainly responsible for the disease process and makes the tooth surface nice and smooth. This removes sites where the bacteria lodge within the gums. It also reduces the chance of more bacteria taking hold because it’s harder for plaque to stick to a smooth surface.
The Hygienist then polishes the tooth with an special paste to remove stains and instructs the patient on maintenance and home care, including the use of special anti-bacterial mouthwashes.
Afterwards, you’ll have to get frequent, regular cleanings to maintain control of the problem. Be aware that gum disease can run in families. You’ll also have to practice good oral hygiene at home and try to reduce other risk factors for gum disease, like quitting smoking or eating fewer sweets.

Discussion

Most people don’t know they have periodontal (gum) disease until their dentist brings it to their attention. One of the reasons it comes as a surprise is that periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a silent disease, with few obvious symptoms in its early stages.

Periodontitis is a chronic disease. It takes a long time to develop and can be characterized by short periods of rapid tissue breakdown, followed by long periods of quiescence. With treatment, a periodontal condition can be controlled and maintained.

Healthy gums

Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Advanced Periodontitis 

How do you know you have periodontal disease? 
The signs are subtle at first, and often can only be detected by a dentist or hygienist. These professionals are trained to look for:

Pockets
Pockets occur when the collar of gum becomes infected and detaches from the tooth – creating a space. This space is a “pocket.” A pocket is not necessarily formed when food gets stuck between teeth

Bleeding
Bleeding gums are not normal. When gums bleed, at the very least, a minor, reversible problem exists. Sometimes the bleeding is a sign that there are deeper problems, and without some kind of treatment, pockets and bone loss will continue to occur.

Bone loss
Dental x-rays, taken at regular intervals, chronicle bone levels surrounding the teeth. Subtle changes can be seen, and when they are observed, they are definite markers that periodontal breakdown is occurring. Bone loss left untreated, progresses until teeth are compromised. Fact: seventy percent of all teeth removed from adults is from bone loss due to periodontal disease…not decay.

Loose teeth
Often early signs of loose teeth are detected by the dentist or hygienist, not by the person. Looseness in teeth is a sign that something is wrong. When discovered, the cause needs to be determined and corrected.

Halitosis
Bad breath may be a sign that significant periodontal problems exist in someone’s mouth. Once the periodontal problems are under control, bad breath often goes away.

Abscesses
An abscess occurs when bacteria are trapped in a gum pocket. They have no way of escaping and the pocket expands, forming an abscess. If treated in time, little damage is done to the surrounding bone and tooth.

Like all chronic diseases, periodontal disease doesn’t go away. It won’t get better by itself. It can remain silent and in remission, only to act up at a later date. As the condition worsens, it’s harder to successfully treat. That’s why once gum problems are noticed or diagnosed, it’s best to initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Service List

Dental Hygiene Wellington Dentists

Are you struggling with any of the following?

Then it might be time to book in with a hygienist

Discussion

124A Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington