Got a question about dental hygiene? Here are some answers

Here at Alexandra Dental Care in Swadlincote we see patients regularly for their scheduled hygiene appointments in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy. We tailor all hygiene appointments to the needs of our patients, as some require specific help, for example denture wearers, children and teenagers with braces.

Helen our hygienist works on the majority of our hygiene treatments and has given many a patient a fresher healthier smile. Helen is qualified to deliver this treatment, she qualified as a hygienist as Manchester Dental School and has been a part of the practice for 20 years. Here are a few questions Helen has answered for us:

 

Question: Do I really need to floss daily?

Helen: To achieve optimum oral health, you need to floss your teeth every day. Lots of people ‘don’t like it’ or find ‘that it hurts’ but if you floss correctly it shouldn’t hurt, it’s just about making it part of your daily routine. There are also lots of different flosses and tools you can try if you find it awkward, and we are happy to advise you on finding the product that works best for you. My tip would be to choose a time of day that suits you; if you’re too tired at night then do it in the morning. We should begin flossing when two teeth touch. That means that even young children need to floss but you’ll have to do this for them until they can master the dexterity it takes to do it themselves.

 

 

Question: My gums bleed when I floss, is that gum disease?

Helen: If you have just started flossing then the chances are that you will notice an element of bleeding to begin with. Once you begin to remove the plaque build-up the bleeding should then reduce, so it is important to keep going. This may be coupled with a bit of discomfort but not pain. If you feel pain that persists, or the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should speak to your dentist who will check the method you are using to floss as well as your oral health to see what might be causing the problem.

 

Question: Is mouthwash good or bad?

Helen: Mouthwash can be used as part of your oral health regime to reinforce all the good things you are doing during brushing and flossing. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride so they work alongside your toothpaste to remineralise the teeth and help to fight cavities. Antibacterial mouthwashes that contain ingredients like chlorexhidine or alcohol can also help to protect against gum disease. There has been much debate over the safety of mouthwashes that contain alcohol so if you have concerns you should discuss this with your dentist and opt for one that uses chlorhexidine as an ingredient instead.

 

If you are interested in having a hygiene appointment, you will also be pleased to know that as well as Helen we have hygienists Vicky and Anita at the practice. Available appointments for a hygiene visit are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Friday mornings and Saturdays.

If you have any questions, be sure to book an appointment with us today to discuss your options. Drop into the practice at 54 Alexandra Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9AZ or call us on 01283 216347.

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