Essential Hygiene

“Regular check-ups allow us to detect early signs of problems, from gum inflammation to oral cancer”

What is an essential hygiene appointment? 

Essential hygiene appointments are more than just routine visits—they're a critical part of your ongoing oral health care. While these appointments are often referred to as "cleanings," they involve much more. During your visit, we meticulously remove plaque and calculus that regular brushing and flossing can't eliminate, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and even more serious issues like tooth loss. Regular check-ups also allow us to catch early signs of potential problems, from gum inflammation to oral cancer, enabling timely intervention before they escalate. If you've undergone SRP therapy and are now stable, these appointments may be referred to as “periodontal maintenance,” ensuring that your gums and teeth remain healthy in the long term.

Why is an essential hygiene appointment important? 

The main purpose of an essential hygiene appointment is to make sure your oral cavity remains in a healthy state. Biofilm is a complex three-dimensional bacterial structure that forms on the teeth in just 12 hours. Biofilm is commonly referred to as plaque and is the slimy or fuzzy substance you may feel on your teeth if it’s been a while since you last brushed. If it isn’t disrupted by brushing or flossing, the biofilm will harden, forming a substance called tartar, or calculus in dental terms, which firmly adheres to the teeth. Calculus is the rough substance you can feel on your teeth when it has been a while between dental cleanings which can only be removed by a dental professional, such as your dental hygienist. Plaque and calculus irritate the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and increased bleeding. This is known as gum disease or gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the infection spreads deeper into the gums, damaging the tissues and bones that support your teeth. Regular hygiene visits are essential to maintaining oral health and overall health. 

.

Who can benefit from essential hygiene appointments? 

EVERYONE! These appointments are crucial in maintaining a healthy mouth. However, these visits may look a little different for everyone. The frequency of your visits will vary depending on your individual oral health needs. Your dental hygienist will assess factors like probing depths (gum measurements), the condition of your gums, your home care habits, and sometimes even the composition of your saliva (DNA testing) to determine the ideal interval for your appointments. While some patients may need to visit every three months, others might only require a check-up every six months. These personalized recommendations ensure that your oral health stays on track, tailored to what’s best for you.

What can I expect at a cleaning appointment? 

At Toothlife Studios, our philosophy around treatment goes above and beyond traditional methods. We incorporate high-quality advanced treatment techniques and technology to provide gold-standard care, all backed by scientific research. Our approach starts with a thorough assessment to ensure your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs, recognizing that no two mouths are the same. During this appointment, you can expect a comprehensive assessment that includes a head and neck evaluation, oral cancer screening, periodontal probing (gum measurements), and the use of a coloured disclosing agent that highlights plaque and calculus in different colours based on how long they've been present. Your dental hygienist will then use a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments, along with an Airflow device, to effectively remove the plaque and calculus highlighted by the disclosing agent. Once your scaling is complete, your dental hygienist will review personalized brushing and flossing techniques and recommend additional home care aids tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you have the tools to maintain optimal oral health between visits.