Oral Hygiene Services

Healthy teeth enable you to look good and feel good and make it possible for you to eat and speak properly. Maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene is far less painful, expensive and troublesome than embarking on extensive aesthetic (cosmetic) dental procedures or treating conditions that have been neglected and allowed to progress.

Correct oral hygiene results in a healthy-looking and odourless mouth, clean, debris-free teeth, pink gums that do not hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, free from regular episodes of bad breath. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself to ensure that you preserve your speech and eating functions, keep your confident, natural smile and achieve a high quality of life. Your teeth will last longer and you will avoid embarrassing bad breath and missing or unsightly teeth.

Maintain correct oral hygiene with regular six-monthly check-ups and good care of your oral health. Our aim is to help you create a healthy oral hygiene habit and avoid unnecessary expense and major treatments.

Symptoms of improper oral hygiene include bleeding or painful gums; persistent bad breath; yellow or brown deposits on teeth; loose teeth and widening gaps between teeth. The potential consequences of improper oral hygiene are the rapid formation of plaque, a yellow sticky film that accumulates on the hard surfaces of teeth and gums. When you eat, the bacteria use the sugar and starch from your food to release acid. This acid corrodes tooth enamel and results in holes or cavities in the tooth.

Plaque causes irritation to the gums, making them red, tender and bleed easily. The gums pull away from the teeth, leaving cavities inhabited by bacteria and pus, which leads to foul breath, bone around the teeth is destroyed, teeth become loose and have to be removed.

Tartar / calculus forms because of the constant accumulation and the hardening of plaque into a yellow or brown mineral deposit. Because of its crusty and rough surface, teeth become ideal hosts for further plaque growth. Tartar leads to gum disease when formed below the gum line.

Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, characterised by inflammation of the gums & painless bleeding during brushing and flossing. If treated with adequate dental care, gingivitis is reversible. If ignored, it can lead to a more serious and advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Periodontitis, advanced gum disease, leads to the destruction of structures supporting the teeth, including bone, which causes the loosening of teeth, requiring their removal. Signs of the condition are red, swollen, bleeding gums that shrink away from the teeth. The resulting widening spaces between the teeth and exposed root surfaces are highly vulnerable to decay.

Prevention of gum disease and a high standard of oral hygiene is managed by regular visits to Dr Cliff and the oral hygienist – at least every six months – to monitor dental and oral health. Maintain correct oral hygiene by implementing a lifelong habit of high standard oral hygiene.

Basic oral hygiene cleaning treatment (20 – 25 minutes), appropriate for children under 6 years old, people who prefer regular (four– to six-weekly) gentle cleaning and regular smokers who prefer frequent, regular cleaning. Treatment could include:

  •   Polish
  •   Stain and Plaque removal
  •   Fluoride treatment

Intermediate oral hygiene cleaning treatment (30 – 35 minutes), for patients with plaque residue or swollen gums, regular smokers and patients who maintain regular 6-monthly visits to the dentist and oral hygienist. Treatment could include:

  •   Ultrasonic cleaning
  •   Polish
  •   Stain and Plaque removal
  •   Fluoride treatment

Specialised oral hygiene cleaning treatment (45 – 60 minutes), recommended especially for patients referred by Dr Cliff for specific oral hygiene cleaning treatment. In this case, Dr Cliff monitors the treatment under strict supervision. The focus is on treating specific problems or needs that could include one or more of the following:

  •   Heavy staining & discolouration
  •   Gum Disease
  •   Halitosis
  •   Sensitive teeth
  •   Anxiety & nervousness

Treatment could include:

  •   Ultrasonic cleaning
  •   Polish
  •   Stain & Plaque removal
  •   Fluoride treatment
  •   Specific treatment of your particular dental problem
  •   Any other oral hygiene treatment prescribed by Dr Cliff

“How do I prevent cavities?” Here are five simple and easy steps to prevent tooth decay:

  •   Brush your teeth twice a day—in the morning after breakfast and at bedtime. This removes plaque, which can lead to damaged teeth, gums and surrounding bone. Use an electric toothbrush if possible.
  •   Floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime. Saliva flow that protects teeth during the day shuts down at night and any plaque that left between the teeth becomes food for the bacteria that cause cavities.
  •   Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist or oral hygienist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Consult the dentist or oral hygienist during your visit regarding the correct toothpaste for your needs.
  •   Limit food that contains sugar. Late night snacks are especially destructive because they supply bacteria sugar at a time when your teeth are most vulnerable.
  •   Schedule regular visits to Dr Cliff and the oral hygienist; every six months is a typical time frame; however, more frequent visits might be necessary.

Patients who follow these five steps daily will avoid cavities and will find that their dental appointments run smoothly and quickly!