hIQu Dental by Dr Nick Cliff

Hygiene Care

Oral Hygiene Education

Effective oral hygiene education and routine is crucially important in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums for the whole of your life. Plaque is the most common cause of tooth decay and gum disease. It is vital to understand the importance of regular effective brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing. Together with regular professional preventative care appointments at hIQu Dental by Dr Nick Cliff this will keep your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh.

Periodontics

Periodontal or gum disease affects the gums and other tissues that hold and support teeth. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis (inflammation of gums) which is reversible and the advanced form of gum disease is periodontitis. These are serious infections that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss.

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque and tartar although smoking, stress, diet and other factors can also contribute to the health of your gums. Regular preventative care appointments with hIQu Dental by Dr Nick Cliff can help alleviate the risk of gum disease.

Gum treatment

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss and has also been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The first sign is red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss. An effective oral hygiene routine will prevent the progression of gum disease and improve your overall oral health.

Dietary Advice

What you eat and how often you eat it, is just as important for your teeth and gums as it is for your general overall health. Food and drinks that contain starch and sugar react to the bacteria in your mouth and produce acid which attacks your tooth enamel causing decay and erosion.

Plaque is the sticky film on the surface of your teeth which attracts food particles. The longer these particles remain on your teeth the more acid is produced and damage is done. The more you consume products laden with starch and sugar, the longer your teeth are exposed to decay-causing acid.

Reducing your frequency of intake of sugary or starchy drinks and snacks will help you to maintain optimal oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva production, your natural neutraliser of mouth acid and rinsing with water after eating and drinking can also help.

Smoking and your oral health

Most people today are aware that smoking is hazardous to our health, but many do not know that smoking can permanently damage or destroy oral and dental tissues. Smoking can cause some of the biggest dental problems which significantly affect your teeth and gums, such as discoloration of the teeth, inflammation of the gums, infection, chronic bad breath, loss of teeth and even cancer of the mouth.

The best advice we can give is to quit smoking. Without this, any kind of treatment for your dental problems will be difficult and maintaining oral health will be virtually impossible.

Tooth loss can impact your life to a great extent. Your confidence, appearance and lifestyle will also be affected. For these reasons we will endeavour to help you quit smoking and start enjoying the smooth and fresh feeling of clean teeth and a clean mouth.

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