Dental Hygienist in Birmingham

Regular scaling and polishing play a crucial role in maintaining clean teeth and preventing gum disease, specifically gingivitis. This routine not only leaves your mouth feeling fresh but also enhances the brightness of your smile.

On a daily basis, a sticky film of bacteria, known as plaque, forms on the tooth surfaces. It is this plaque that contributes to the development of gum disease. Within 24 hours, the plaque solidifies into calculus, also known as tartar, which can only be effectively removed by a dentist.

Identifying gum disease involves observing red and swollen gums that easily bleed, particularly during teeth brushing. If left untreated, the disease progresses, leading to the loss of the bone supporting the teeth in the jaw, resulting in tooth mobility and potential loss. Fortunately, gum disease is reversible in its early stages.

To address or prevent gum disease, it is essential to schedule regular dental appointments for scaling and polishing, typically recommended every six months (though some patients may need it every three months). Additionally, maintaining meticulous daily oral hygiene practices, such as thorough brushing and flossing, is crucial.

An Air Polish is a more expensive and advancedhygiene treatment that effectively removes stains on the teeth and discolouration while thoroughly removing dental plaque. This innovative technique removes plaque and staining, often caused by drinking red wine, tea/coffee and smoking, to restore a natural smile.

The air polish uses a controlled but powerful jet of water and lemon flavoured powder, as opposed to the scraping tools and a rotary polishing head used in a traditional scale and polish. It is a fast and non-invasive way of cleaning teeth. Using airflow your dentist can clean deep pockets and interdental areas to give you a bright fresh smile.