Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning

Gum disease occurs when the gums and/or bone that surround and support the teeth are weakened. This may be caused by one or more factors including: genetics, crooked teeth, lack of proper dental hygiene care, clenching or grinding of the teeth/jaw, poor restorations, diabetes, smoking, or malnutrition. There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is where only the gums surrounding the teeth are affected. Signs include red, puffy gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed if the teeth are cleaned thoroughly and maintained with proper oral hygiene. However, if it is not treated, it can lead to more advanced gum disease called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is when both the gums and bone are affected around one or more teeth. In this stage, different levels of irreversible “bone death” occurs. If not treated early, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Diagnosis of periodontal disease includes x-rays, photos, and a periodontal assessment. In the periodontal assessment, we take measurements of the space between the tooth and the gum. A small space is healthy and maintainable, but a deep space indicates gum disease, and likely bone death. Treatment of periodontitis begins with a thorough dental hygiene cleaning, and may include periodontal therapy with a laser and/or antimicrobial. Following treatment, the bone may not grow back, but if the disease process is halted, the remaining bone can be saved and maintained.

At your first appointment, we take extra time and care to get to know you and your mouth better. We take all the necessary x-rays and intra-oral photos, and also do a dental and periodontal assessment of your teeth and gums.

We will discuss recommended treatment options with you, and we will complete your appointment with a thorough, yet gentle hygiene cleaning. Our friendly staff are available to answer any questions you may have.

If it has been a long time since your last dental cleaning, or if you have associated risk factors for gum disease, your gums may need some extra special attention. We have two very effective treatments to help improve your gums. These may be used together or alone, depending on the areas of concern.

If the small space between your teeth and gums (called “pockets”) is deeper than usual, a laser can be used to clean and sterilize this space. This cleans and removes all of the harmful bacteria in the area and helps to promote healing of your gums. Topical or local anaesthetic may be used to make the procedure painless.