Everyday bacteria in our mouths produces an invisible, sticky film called plaque which constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque (which is 90% of bacteria) is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria in plaque reacts with sugars in food to produce acids which damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and cavities. Plaque can also affect the gums leading to gingivitis or, if left untreated, to more serious gum disease called periodontitis.

Gingivitis

   Gingivitis causes the gums to redden, swell slightly and to bleed easily when tooth brushing. Good oral hygiene and regular hygienie appointments with our dental hygienist can usually solve the problem.

Periodontitis

     This is the advanced state of gingivitis where the plaque spreads below the gums and forms a hard deposit called tartar or calculus. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce poisons which irritate and inflame the gums and break down the tissues and bone which support the teeth. Eventually, if the situation is not treated, teeth become loose and may have to be extracted.

Recommended product

    For your convenience we stock at our Clinic a range of products which help to achieve and maintain optimum oral health and appearance.

* Effective products in reducing dental plaque redness and bleeding gums. These signs are all associated with gingivitis and more serious gum disease.

  * Eludril Mouthwash
  * Corsodyl Mouthwash
  * Corsodyl Gel
  * Curasept Gel and Mouthrinse
  * Gengigel gel and Mouthrinse

  * For sensitivity due to gum recession. Also for patients with a higher than usual risk of decay. Discuss with your dentist or hygienist which products would best suit your needs.

* Duraphat Mouthwash
* Duraphat toothpaste
* Fluorigard Mouth wash
* Sensodyne Mouthwash
* Sensodyne Toothpaste

Additional help with proper oral hygiene can be atchieved by using interdental cleaning aids.

* Oral B Floss/tape
* Oral B Superfloss
* Colgate floss/tape
* Johnson&Johnson dental floss
* Te Pe interdental brushes
* Interspace brushes
* Tongue Cleaners

 Interdental brushing

What is an interdental brush?

   It is a small brush that can be held between your thumb and your fingers. Interdental brushes are available in various sizes. You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.

Why clean between teeth?

   During the day, food and debris get lodged in between your teeth, and in any gaps you may have. If left, it can cause dental decay and gum disease. Removing food debris with an interdental brush will help also to keep your breath fresh.
Should I use an interdental brush instead of my normal toothbrush?
No. These small brushes should be used as part of your normal oral hygiene routine. With its small bristles and tiny bottle type head the interdental brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush.

Why is my normal toothbrush not enough?

   You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush. There are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access.

How do I use it?

    Our Hygienist Rosie will help you out to select a suitable sized interdental brush. Never force the brush between the teeth. Between front teeth, use a finer brush, a twisting movement eases the brush comfortably between the teeth. Remove the brush by gently pulling thereby removing plaque and debris. Repeat the twisting motion to re-insert and pull out several times until you are satisfied the space is clean. For larger spaces nearer the back of the mouth, a larger headed brush should be selected.

Flossing

How should I clean between my teeth?

    One way to clean between your teeth is with dental floss or tape. Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can't reach. Our dental Hygienist can show you proper flossing techniques.

Should my gums bleed when I floss?

    Your gums may bleed or be sore for the first few days that you floss. This should stop once the plaque is removed and the bacteria have gone. If the bleeding does not stop, tell your dentist or hygienist. It may be that you are not flossing correctly or your teeth and gums need a more thorough clean by our hygienist.

What do I do if I have difficulty using floss?

   If you have trouble using floss you can use a floss holder or an interdental cleaning aid. Interdental cleaning aids include woodsticks or small interdental brushes used to remove plaque from between the teeth. Our hygienist can explain how to use these properly.

Waterpik  treat yourself better ®...

Why use a Waterpik^® Dental Water Jet?

Because Waterpik Dental Water Jets are significantly more effective than dental floss at reversing gingivitis.

 www.waterpik.co.uk