Appointments include-
- Evaluation of health and gums
- Meticulous cleaning and polishing of the teeth including below gum level
- Identification of oral conditions such as bad breath and dry mouth and aid in treatment of such
- Advice on oral products to aid specific oral conditions
- Application of decay preventing agents
- Taking of dental x-rays for diagnostic purposes
- Instruction on correct brushing and flossing techniques and advice on appropriate oral hygiene products to suit the individual
- Outline of a personalized oral hygiene program with recommended 3, 6 or 12 monthly visits, recommended future treatment and referral for specific treatment if required
Oral Hygiene Products
The Oral Hygiene Centre stocks a wide range of products and the Dental Hygienist will recommend certain product suitability for individuals.
- Toothbrushes - Manual/Electric
- Interdental cleaning devices and irrigation devices
- Oral cleaning aids for patients with implants
- Oral rinses and specialty products for oral conditions such as 'Dry mouth'
Our hygienists are licensed dental professionals who specialise in preventive care. Cleanings, X-rays, preventive sealants, scalings, root planings and oral hygiene education are amongst the procedures frequently performed by a hygienist. The hygienist will teach correct brushing and flossing techniques and recommend oral hygiene products to suit individual needs.
Oral Hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean. Oral hygiene is considered to be the best means of prevention of cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental disorders. It also helps to prevent bad breath(halitosis). Oral hygiene is considered necessary for all persons to maintain the health of their teeth and mouth.
Oral hygiene consists of both professional and personal care.
Use a soft toothbrush at the gum line where the teeth meet the gums. Brush in small circular motions on 1-2 teeth at a time. Angle the brush at a 45 degree angle to allow the bristles to gently clean under gums. Brush top and bottom teeth, cheek-side, lip-side and in close to the tongue. Brush the chewing surfaces of all upper and lower molars. Brush the top of the tongue to remove bacteria.
Electric tooth brushes are effective if used systematically, i.e. brushing only a small area at a time.
Correctly brushing is important to your dental health.
Break off about 40cm in length of dental floss, ribbon or tape. Wind the ends around the longest, middle fingers. This leaves the index fingers and thumbs free to move. Try to keep only 1cm tight enough to slide between teeth. Leave about 5cm each side for "leverage". Slide using a "sawing" motion between teeth. Do not force the floss since it will hit the gums and hurt! Slide up and down each tooth to clean off plaque and food debris. Continue to floss all teeth. To reach your back teeth, it helps to close your mouth enough to soften cheek muscles.
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