Every person who visits the dentist for routine care is encouraged to also have their teeth cleaned in the office. While we all brush and (hopefully) floss teeth daily as recommended, there are techniques employed by the professional hygienist that can achieve a bit more. If you have wondered about the necessity for professional teeth cleaning, consider that this service is an excellent option for non-surgical gum therapy.
The purpose of hygiene visits in our offices in North York, Pickering, and Scarborough is to remove stuck-on plaque and tartar that may have been missed in routine home care. The formation of plaque and tartar does not necessarily mean that you are not taking good care of your teeth and gums. These substances cannot be seen when you look in the mirror, so you have no way of knowing how successful your habits are. We like to schedule hygiene visits every six months for patients whose oral health is in generally good condition. If we are facing a problem like gum disease, we may recommend more frequent check-ups and cleanings due to the harm aggressive bacteria can do.
As gum disease therapy, professional cleanings will differ. The management of gum disease typically involves a more in-depth cleaning, called scaling and root planing. The steps involved in these procedures address colonies of bacteria that may have formed in pockets around teeth. Deep cleanings may be performed with local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable process.
The Problem With Oral Bacteria
To a certain extent, oral bacteria are beneficial to health. Issues such as cavities and gum disease are prevalent in civilized cultures because our standard diet causes the mouth to become very acidic. This acidity provides the perfect environment not only for bacteria in the mouth but also for pathogens in the body. In terms of gum disease, damage often occurs silently. By the time you can identify a problem by looking at your gums, the disease has progressed significantly.
Gum disease will ideally be detected early or, better yet, prevented with routine dental care. Should this infection progress, deep cleanings may be our first choice in care. It is important to see your dentist for conservative gum therapies, which may be able to prevent the need for gum surgery, if performed before disease has done significant damage.
At Esquire Dental Centres, we perform various gum treatments and also place a great deal of importance on prevention. We educate our patients on healthy oral care habits and are happy to demonstrate proper techniques. As a team, we can manage your oral health. Contact us today in North York, Pickering, or Scarborough.
Back to Periodontics Gum Care Surgery Page