Teeth Cleaning. Do I need it?
Brushing helps in removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth. Plaque is a biofilm of bacteria which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. This plaque when not removed on timely brushing changes to its hard calcified form called as calculus.
Adults and children should aim at brushing their teeth twice daily for a minimum of 3 minutes. It should be done gently on all surfaces mainly inside and in between your teeth. Even people who are on top of their oral hygiene can develop calculus. Your dentist recommends a professional teeth cleaning every six monthly, or for some people, this can vary from 8-12 monthly. It involves removing the build-up of calculus/tartar from your teeth which cannot be removed by your toothbrush. Regular cleaning is also an integral part in maintaining gum health and the supporting structures of the tooth (periodontium)
What to expect during a clean?
At your teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist will go through your brushing habits. Your dentist will also guide you on how you can perform your brushing more effectively. During the clean, you will feel vibrations on your teeth which may be sensitive for some people but rarely painful.
A professional scale and clean, and polish once or twice a year will help in preventing gum disease which initially starts as gingivitis. Untreated gum disease can easily progress without us experiencing any pain or symptoms from our teeth.
However, in some cases where the gum disease has progressed to periodontitis the dentist will suggest to numb your teeth to clean them. It is very important to undergo this treatment to remove all the deposits and bacteria that are causing this progression. Regular check-ups and clean with your dentist will help maintain healthy gums and prevent any loss of the tooth.
Further treatment
If you have severe gum disease or periodontitis, you may need additional treatment, such as periodontal surgery. In some cases, it’s essential to remove the infected tooth. At Niddrie Dental Clinic we always inform our patients about the procedure and explain how it’s carried out. If needed, they may refer you to a specialist.
Patients with private health insurance including the dental cover often will have no or very little out of pocket costs associated with a professional scale and clean. At Niddrie Dental Clinic we understand and emphasise the importance of Preventative Dental care. We understand life can get too hectic and you can easily forget to book you check up appointments. Our 6, 8 or 12 monthly auto reminders can help you keep on top of your oral health. If you want to know more about our dental treatments, contact us today on (03) 9374 2244. Remember to look at our current specials in the Dental Specials section.
Tips on brushing and Good Oral hygiene.
- Use a soft or medium texture toothbrush.
- Brush after breakfast and after dinner.
- Divide your mouth into four areas and brush them inside and outside for 30 s each.
- Place your brush in between your gums and teeth and with slow vibratory motion move the brush up to down for your top teeth and down to up for your bottom teeth.
- Along with your teeth brush your tongue, inside of your cheeks and on the roof of your mouth.
- Warm salty water rinses are good to reduce any inflammation in the gums and can also be done occasionally to keep them healthy.