Dental hygiene; how our dentist can help

Do you have a bit of plaque accumulation? In this article, our dentist in Widnes will talk you through the importance of regular dental check-ups and hygiene, and how we can help you. So, let's dive in!

Importance of dental hygiene

Ever since you were young, you have been told to brush your teeth twice a day and to floss them to keep them in good condition.

And this is, for the most part, still valuable advice that our dentist in Widnes will offer you. However, there is more to dental hygiene than simply keeping your teeth free from plaque and tooth decay.

Innumerable studies into general health have determined that a person who has excessive amounts of plaque in their mouth is at a higher risk of developing secondary complications, such as cardiovascular problems or cancers and is even at a higher risk of having strokes.

If you are currently pregnant, it is exceedingly important for the development of yourself and your baby that you attend dental check-ups regularly, as once again, poor oral hygiene linked to plaque is an indicator in low birth weights, poor health at birth and even premature birth.

But don’t panic! If you have concerns that your teeth are not receiving the level of TLC that they need, we will be able to help with some of our hygiene based treatments.

Dental hygiene treatments

So alongside the standard brushing, flossing and avoiding excess sugar, there are other ways you can look after your teeth at home. If you have issues with flossing, the use of interdental toothbrushes can be beneficial, as can antibacterial mouthwashes.

But if you are having issues with your teeth and gums, such as blood when you are brushing, our team can help.

Our hygienist will be able to perform a scale and polish to remove stubborn plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. This will help to keep your teeth looking whiter and will of course reduce the chances of you developing gum disease and tooth decay. Should you have an active case of gum disease, we can offer you stronger mouthwash and toothpaste than you would find in a pharmacy, to help bring the bacterial levels in your mouth down to a safe level.

Lifelong benefits

Of course, there is more to dental hygiene than simply removing plaque and preventing gum disease.

Long term advantages include better general health, less inflammation throughout your body and a lower incidence of illness overall. And then there is the more visually appealing smile, which is whiter and that you won’t be able to stop showing off.

Add to this the benefits of a reduction in the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer and you have a very convincing list of reasons as to why you should attend dental check-ups and hygienist appointments regularly.

So if you feel that it is time for your teeth and gums to have a tune-up (especially after social distancing and delays in dental care), book an appointment to see our dentist in Widnes today. You can do this via the form on our website or by contacting our surgery directly.