Our hygienist in Brackley can help prevent dental problems long before they become serious and costly to treat.
Direct access to your hygienist in Brackley
At South Gables Dental Practice, our dentists work closely with our Brackley hygienists as part of our mission to keep patients healthy and prevent dental problems – and with direct access appointments, you don’t need to see the dentist first before seeing the hygienist. The hygienist’s job is to keep your teeth and gums in top condition by preventing plaque and tartar from causing cavities and gum disease. The hygienist uses a number of ways to achieve this: the practical approach, which involves carrying out a professional deep-clean, or scale and polish; and the educational approach, ensuring your diet and lifestyle aren’t impacting negatively on your oral health, and equipping you with the information, techniques and products you need for a great oral hygiene routine at home.
The key to a healthy smile, a healthy body and a healthy bank balance? Prevention of dental problems!
Did you know that tooth loss is primarily caused by dental decay and gum disease? Did you know that dental decay and gum disease are entirely avoidable through good oral hygiene? And did you know that there is a possible link between poor oral hygiene and a host of health conditions? So many questions, but one clear answer: prevention of dental problems matters. At South Gables Dental Practice, we take prevention very seriously, because it means our patients are less likely to encounter painful, costly problems, and can enjoy dental visits that focus on maintaining or enhancing a healthy smile.
Preventing dental problems in 3 easy steps:
1. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, and floss once a day.
2. Visit your dentist at least twice a year to identify any underlying problems while they are still minor and easy to treat.
3. Visit your hygienist at least twice a year for a deep-clean to remove plaque and tartar from the areas the toothbrush may miss.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my dentist carry out my hygiene checks?
Hygienists undertake particular training in this area, freeing up the dentist for more complex procedures.
What services can I access from my Brackley hygienist?
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.
What should I know about plaque and tartar?
Plaque and tartar cause tooth decay, gum disease and ultimately tooth loss. When you let your regular brushing and flossing slide, a film of bacteria – plaque – builds up around the gum line. Caused by the food that remains on your teeth after eating, plaque eventually hardens to become tartar. Together, they attack the tooth enamel, making gums and teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.
What can I do to prevent dental problems?
Maintaining a rigorous cleaning routine at home is key. Our Brackley hygienist will give you advice and tips not only about how to clean your teeth, but also about diet and general lifestyle.
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 visit the hygienist?
We recommend seeing the hygienist twice a year if your teeth and gums are healthy, though 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 ‘new’ teeth.