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.

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Straight talk: how Invisalign aligns more than just your teeth

By Briar Crammock-Sands • March 30, 2025

Tired of your crooked teeth? Desperate to be able to smile with confidence? When it comes to straightening your teeth, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the aesthetic impact of cosmetic dental treatment . And with good reason: orthodontic braces can transform even the most challenging set of teeth into a Hollywood-worthy smile. With dental care innovations skyrocketing over the past decade, Invisalign is the comparatively new kid on the orthodontic block – delivering the same results as traditional braces but with near invisibility, supreme convenience and incomparable comfort. But Invisalign offers much more than just a cosmetic dentistry upgrade and welcome boost to your self-esteem and confidence. As one of the leading options for teeth alignment, Invisalign transforms not only the appearance of your teeth but also improves your overall dental health. Whether you’re looking for a discreet solution for teeth straightening or seeking better dental care, Invisalign treatment provides several benefits that go beyond aesthetics. At Duxton Dental clinic in Christchurch, quality Invisalign treatment is tailored to your individual and unique needs to give you that perfect smile but also the health benefits of Invisalign: Improved oral hygiene and health A major benefit of Invisalign treatment is its ability to enhance your oral hygiene routine. The wires and brackets of traditional orthodontic braces can make brushing and flossing a challenging task, which can result in poor oral hygiene during the teeth straightening process. However, with Invisalign, the removable aligners allow you to brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions. During the Invisalign process, you’ll notice how straighter teeth make it easier to clean your entire mouth thoroughly. This ease of cleaning maintains overall dental health by ensuring plaque and food particles don’t get trapped around teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities and gum disease and promoting healthier gums and teeth.