A dental hygienist will initially check medical histories to
ensure that any treatment they undertake will not cause health
problems.
They may dye the plaque on the teeth to highlight any areas
missed when using a toothbrush and floss and will offer appropriate
oral hygiene advice to supplement a patient’s daily oral hygiene
regime. A hygienist will measure the gaps between gums and teeth
with a rounded probe to explore whether any periodontal disease
is present and will undertake any treatment necessary to prevent
the disease from progressing. The hygienist will make sure regular
oral care is kept by monitoring gum condition. They will also
encourage regular 3 - 6 monthly scaling and polishing to ensure
the routine maintenance of healthy gums.
We are always conscious about keeping our breath smelling nice,
and there are many products such as mints and mouth spray that
exemplify this.
However, these products generally only hide the smell rather
than treat the actual cause of the bad breath.
Bad breath (Halitosis) can be caused by a number
of things, but is normally associated with either the food we
eat or bacteria that lives in our mouths – in particular on our
tongue or the back of our mouth.
It is obvious to many that when eating strong or
spicy foods, there is very little we can do other than use mints
or spray to hide the smell until it disappears. However, with
bacteria, we can make the difference by having good oral hygiene
routines. This includes brushing your tongue as well as your teeth,
flossing, and of course, regular visits to the dentist or hygienist.
Causes of bad breath can also be attributed to
medical conditions such as diabetes, or digestive system issues.
People can be embarrassed to seek advice about
the issues of bad breath. However, it is a common problem and
as always we are here to help. We can give you a hygienist check-up,
followed by the relevant treatment and/or advice. In many cases,
simply changing your toothpaste or mouthwash can overcome the
problem. |
