Blog Post

Just Why is it so Important to Regularly Visit the Hygienist?

Bacteria in your Mouth can Lead to a Multitude of Health Problems

Hygienist cleaning a patients mouth - Duxton Dental - Hygienists Christchurch

No matter how capable you think you are at effectively cleaning your teeth, there will always be those hard to reach areas that are regularly missed. While you may think of a visit to the hygienist as being a luxurious teeth cleaning exercise, the scale and polish that your hygienist provides is an important opportunity to spot and treat the early signs of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria which combines with particles in the mouth to form plaque and while regular brushing and flossing gets rid of lots of plaque, any that remains can harden over time to cause tartar. Tartar can only effectively be removed by a dental hygienist. If left, plaque and tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, this is gum disease or its official name, gingivitis.

With no dental treatment, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis which is when the gum recedes from the around the tooth and opens pockets or spaces between the gum and tooth. This area becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and an invasion that your body’s immune system must fight against. The bacterial toxins and your body’s natural response breaks down the bone and the connective tissues – in short, gum disease destroys your teeth’s anchors in your mouth. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.

Why is gum disease considered so damaging?

The resulting loss of bone and teeth through gum disease dramatically alters your appearance; the lower third of your face can potentially collapse if no dental health care is sought. If you have excessive bone loss, you may not be a candidate for crowns, dental implants or in extreme cases, even dentures (partial or otherwise); but the detrimental effect on your aesthetics is only half of the story.

You will already be aware of the importance of eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising and keeping an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure to maintain good health, but good dental hygiene and quality dental care is vital to sustain a healthy body too.

As the levels of bacteria in your mouth from dental plaque increases, they can enter the bloodstream via the inflamed and bleeding gums and trigger a multitude of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, Alzheimer’s and oral cancers. These are serious illnesses that can be fatal, we cannot stress strongly enough as to how instrumental your oral health is to your general health.

Signs of gum disease:

Regular bad breath (not just from eating certain foods such as garlic or curry)
Red or swollen gums
Tenderor bleeding gums
Receding gums
Sensitive teeth
Pain when eating

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of gum disease, it is vital that you seek dental treatment. Our hygienists at Duxton Dental clinic Christchurch specialise in preventative oral care with the focus on maintaining your natural teeth for as long as possible to sustain and promote your gum and general health. Call us now to make an appointment on 03 348 5488 and see why we are the caring and innovative team of Dentists in Christchurch.