Dental Hygiene

Plaque and calculus (tartar) contain bacteria which are associated with decay and gingivitis (bleeding gums) and periodontal (gum) disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Having a good home care routine is vital for looking after your mouth, however it is very difficult to keep your mouth perfectly clean - some areas are almost impossible to access at home. Plaque usually develops within a few hours, and calculus in a couple of days. The same bacteria found in plaque and calculus have also been associated with diabetes, heart, brain and gut health, so it’s important they are kept under control.



Our Christchurch based Oral Health Therapist, Vanessa Gray, is here to give you a helping hand with your dental hygiene to prevent oral and systemic issues.

Your appointment will begin with an assessment of your oral health, taking measurements around each tooth and identifying any areas that are a focus for you to keep adequately clean.

Vanessa will professionally clean your teeth both above and below the gum and especially the areas which are harder for you to access yourself. She does this with a combination of ultrasonic scaling, hand scaling, flossing and polishing.

Vanessa will also give you advice and education on techniques and products for managing your dental health at home. Some common questions she can answer include; Which toothpaste is the best for you? How do I get rid of bad breath? Should I use mouthwash? What is the best toothbrush for you, manual or electric? How do I floss under my retainer? How do I floss under my bridge? Should I use a waterpik? Do I need additional decay prevention products? How do I get whiter teeth? The answers to these questions are different for each individual and Vanessa will tailor her advice accordingly.

Dental hygiene services are also important if you have orthodontic treatment such as braces, as cleaning around wires and brackets can be difficult. We recommend regular dental hygienist visits at our Christchurch clinic while undergoing orthodontics.

You may have been having regular dental cleanings with the dentist in the past and are now being recommended to see a hygienist. What is the difference with seeing a dental hygienist? The main answer is time. During your dental examination or check-up appointment the dentist is doing a thorough assessment of your head and neck, jaw, oral tissues, teeth, fillings and x-rays. There is quite a bit to do during your appointment and this often leaves only a short time for professional cleaning and education. You will find a dental hygienist appointment at Dental on Kilmore allows a cost effective, customised approach to your oral health which will help prevent further dental issues in the future.

Cleaning healthy teeth and gums shouldn’t hurt. Some people may experience sensitivity if they have gum inflammation or gum recession. The benefit of having more time available for your dental hygiene appointment with Vanessa is she can apply numbing or desensitising gels and creams prior to professional cleaning or local anaesthetic for those who may require it.

This answer varies for everyone. We all have different shaped teeth, fillings, diets, oral bacteria and home care habits. For those with active gum disease an appointment frequency of every three or four months may be recommended. For those trying to maintain a healthy mouth, we recommend having a dental hygiene appointment twice a year.

Vanessa will help you understand and care for your oral health and support you to ensure a healthy smile. Book an appointment with Vanessa at Dental on Kilmore by either calling us on 03 379 6766 or booking online.