Dental Hygiene Treatment

Good dental hygiene comes down to developing regular oral health habits. Taking care of your teeth is easy once you get these basics down. How you brush your teeth is important. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes in gentle circular motions around your teeth and gums. Brush all sides of your teeth including the backs of your teeth. You should also floss between teeth every day. 

The tools you choose to brush with can help improve your dental hygiene. Choosing a soft toothbrush can help alleviate any discomfort you may feel when brushing. Electric toothbrushes can be a great tool for getting into all those hard-to-reach places. Many electric toothbrushes also come with two-minute timers making it easy to brush for the recommended amount of time.

Symptoms of poor oral hygiene can include cavities, plaque, bad breath, sensitive or bleeding gums, dry mouth, gum disease, and discoloured teeth. 

If you have any of these symptoms it could be a sign that you need to improve your oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth regularly will help get rid of plaque and tartar and improve your breath. Flossing helps to look after the gums and can prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Visiting your dental hygienist twice a year can help treat oral hygiene. If you have cavities or tooth decay, you will need a dentist to help treat your teeth. As one of the best dentists in Wellington, we can treat all your dental needs in-house at one of our three clinics.

During a professional teeth cleaning appointment, your dental hygienist will use a scaler to descale your teeth. This tool uses ultrasound to get rid of tartar and plaque from behind and between your teeth as well as around your gum line. Even with regular brushing, you may have areas of your teeth which get a build-up of plaque in these areas. Once you have tartar on your teeth, the only way to get it removed is during a hygienist appointment. 

After your scaling, the hygienist will use a gritty toothpaste and clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush. This toothpaste helps to gently deep clean your teeth.

For most people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will feel the most comfortable against their teeth and gums. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can actually damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Using a softer brush is often a safer option. Choose a toothbrush that you find easy to grip and maneuver into the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. If you have braces, you might find a toothbrush with a narrow head easier to use.  

Both electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective at reducing gum disease and cleaning away plaque. The best toothbrush is one you’re most likely to use and use well.