Dental Hygiene Therapy (Non Surgical Gum Therapy)

At the Smile Centre, we want to help all of our patients to keep their teeth for their whole lives, and one way that we can do that is by putting a focus on prevention and non-surgical treatment. While most people think of tooth health when they think about dentistry, there are many other factors that can exacerbate tooth loss and dental conditions. Oral disease is one of the most common dental issues affecting the population today. It can be categorized as either Gingivits, affecting only the gums and soft tissues, or Periodontitis, which indicates infection and changes in the bone supporting your teeth.

Gingivitis, or Gum Disease is a chronic bacterial infection in the oral cavity caused by plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup. While gum problems often start off asymptomatic. If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums while brushing & flossing, persistent bad breath, or gum recession and tooth sensitivity, you may be dealing with gum disease.

Dental Plaque is a combination of minerals, bacteria, and saliva. It is soft and sticky, usually pale yellow or ivory in colour, and can be cleaned off effectively with good at-home oral hygiene care. (regular brushing and flossing)

Plaque is full of harmful bacteria, and if left undisturbed, it can transition into calculus, often referred to as tartar buildup. This hardened substance sticks to the teeth both above and below the gumline. This type of buildup can only effectively be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized dental instruments and ultrasonic scalers.

Over time, if left unchecked, chronic gum disease will progress into periodontal disease, which is much more difficult to treat. Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria in dental plaque and tartar causes damage to the bone and the connective tissues attaching the bone and gums. If left untreated, this can lead to early tooth loss.

Your dentist or dental hygienist has been thoroughly educated on the removal of plaque and tartar buildup, as well as the many things that can be done to avoid or even reverse gum disease. Using specialized equipment such as hand scalers and ultrasonic instruments, they can effectively remove the harmful buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth. When it comes to dental health, prevention is key.

How often you should see your dentist or hygienist for dental cleaning is determined by a few factors. While many people visit the dentist only once or twice per year, if you have active gum or periodontal disease, your hygiene specialist may recommend a more frequent and thorough debridement. Many people have dental cleaning done 3 - 4 times per year to maintain their oral health. Also, if you have any habits that can cause staining on your teeth, more frequent hygiene visits may be in order to keep your smile bright.