Dental Health

Optimal dental health is important in preventing decay and gum disease, and maintaining lifelong oral health. TOPGUM Dental Artistry offers the services of a qualified dental hygienist who is highly trained in optimising the dental health of our clients through education and tailored oral health and preventive programs.

Dental health appointments usually include diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, in addition to treatment tailored to your individual oral health needs.

Your dental health appointment can include:

  • a review of your medical history
  • comprehensive assessment of your gum health
  • oral cancer screening
  • evaluation of your bite, chewing and swallowing patterns
  • identification of any cause of bad breath (if appropriate)
  • thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth
  • assessment of existing dental restorations
  • evaluation of possible cosmetic enhancements of your smile
  • application of decay preventing agents
  • individualized oral hygiene instruction including instruction in tooth brushing and flossing, counselling in proper nutrition and recommendations for future treatment
  • referral to specialists for specific treatment (as needed)

Depending on the health of your teeth and gums, you may need to visit the dental hygienist every three, six or twelve months. At each visit we monitor your customised oral hygiene program with a view to preventing problems rather than treating them many years later.

 

Dental Health Tips

 

Brushing Tips

Use a soft toothbrush at the gumline where the teeth meet the gums. Brush in small circular motions on 1-2 teeth at a time. Angle the brush at a 45 degree angle to allow the bristles to gently clean under gums. Brush top and bottom teeth, cheek-side, lip-side and in close to the tongue. Brush the chewing surfaces of all upper and lower molars. Brush the top of the tongue to remove bacteria.

Electric tooth brushes are effective if used systematically, i.e. brushing only a small area at a time.

Correctly brushing is important to your dental health.

Flossing Tips

Break off about 40cm in length of dental floss, ribbon or tape. Wind the ends around the longest, middle fingers. This leaves the index fingers and thumbs free to move. Try to keep only 1cm tight enough to slide between teeth. Leave about 5cm each side for “leverage”. Slide using a “sawing” motion between teeth. Do not force the floss since it will hit the gums and hurt! Slide up and down each tooth to clean off plaque and food debris. Continue to floss all teeth. To reach your back teeth, it helps to close your mouth enough to soften cheek muscles.

The Dental Hygienist

Our hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specialises in preventive care. Cleanings, X-rays, preventive sealants, scalings, root planings and oral hygiene education are amongst the procedures frequently performed by a hygienist.

Oral Hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean. Oral hygiene is considered to be  the best means of prevention of cavities ( dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental disorders. It also helps to prevent bad breath( halitosis). Oral hygiene is considered necessary for all persons to maintain the health of their teeth and mouth. Oral hygiene consist of both professional and personal care.

Our hygienist will teach you brushing and flossing techniques designed for individual needs. Flossing can be a difficult skill, but with expert advice it is easier than you think.

To effectively manage your dental health, contact TOPGUM dental Artistry today.