Dental Hygienist

The hygienists at Camberley Dental practice are experienced with the latest techniques and materials to help arrest and prevent gum disease.

We recommend regular visits to our dental hygienist to have your teeth cleaned. Professional dental cleaning disrupts the deposits of bacterial dental plaque that accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth, particularly around the necks of the teeth and on the exposed portions of the roots of the teeth under the gums.

This dental plaque is the major cause of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. It is difficult to remove completely, with regular brushing, which is why we advocate regular scaling and polishing, normally twice a year.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease usually begins without any initial symptom, that’s why we advocate regular scaling and polishing, normally twice a year.

The first stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is inflammation of the gum. The classic sign of gingivitis - red swollen gums which bleed when they are brushed or flossed, but healthy gums are pink and firm and should not bleed when brushed or flossed.

Where inflammation reaches the bone it is termed periodontitis. As more bone is destroyed, the tooth begins to loosen, and, as the pockets get deeper, abscesses will often occur. Sometimes the gum will shrink as the bone underneath is destroyed.

Gum disease can lead to serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer. Everyone is at risk of getting gum disease if they do not take care of their teeth. Some patients are more prone than others:

• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• Smokers

What can cause gum disease?

Generally, the cleaner your teeth are and less plaque/tartar you have, the less gum disease you will have. That is why we at Camberley Dental Practice advocate regular dental and hygienist visit.

Incorrect brushing and lack of using floss can also cause gum disease.

Smoking can cause an increased risk of gum disease.

How do I prevent gum problems?

Healthy gums are support for healthy teeth. Lifelong protection for both teeth and gums starts with regular dental examinations and hygiene visits.

Cleaning the teeth each day will prevent plaque from building up in sufficient amounts to cause damage to teeth and gums. Our hygienist will demonstrate brushing techniques, the use of floss and other devices and will help choose the right products. A good oral hygiene routine at home is the most important factor in preventing gum disease. The dentist and hygienist will monitor your oral health.

The hygienist visit

The hygienist will assess your gums, teeth and check for any swelling/inflammation and for any bleeding. The hygienist will remove the tartar using manual/ultrasonic instruments and finally polishing the teeth leaving them smooth and clean.

Our hygienist will demonstrate brushing techniques, the use of floss and other devices and you will receive in-depth individual advice. If the disease is advanced or if you have large amounts of tartar you may need multiple hygienist visits.

What can the hygienist do for children?

As well as polishing children's teeth, the hygienist can put a tooth-coloured fissure sealants in children's back teeth. The sealant forms a protective barrier over the fissures in the teeth to prevent decay. Children/parents will benefit from the advice about the effects of eating sugar/ fizzy drinks.