Dental Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is a prerequisite for a healthy mouth. This is why we focus heavily on dental hygiene within the practice. The treatment by the dental hygienist focuses on obtaining and maintaining healthy teeth and surrounding tissues.

During a general dental hygiene appointment one can expect the following things:

  • Medical history screening and update
  • Inspection of the soft tissues, tongue and palate
  • Inspection of the gums
  • If necessary dental x-rays
  • Dental hygiene instructions, (discoloring agent to show visible plaque might be used), supporting literature by use of brochures
  • Scaling and polishing of the teeth
  • ​If necessary fluoride treatment
  • After examination and determination of your oral status additional appointments might be necessary.
Dental health and general health

There is a direct link between oral health and general health and there is continuing research being done to further explore this link.

Cardiovascular disease

Research has shown that poor oral hygiene and inflammation of the gums contribute not only to teeth loss, but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Among patients with severe gum disease it showed that they had calcified arteries, which consisted of the same bacteria found in dental plaque. Moreover, researchers found that the risk of heart disease increased by 20% when gums were inflamed.

Gum disease also increases the chance of getting a cerebral stroke.

Pregnancy

Research has also shown that there is a correlation with gum disease and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant and have gum disease have an increased chance of delivering a premature baby or a baby with low birth weight.

Other diseases

Severe forms of gum disease (periodontitis) may also be associated with the existence of physical disorders such as type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

To bring the optimal dental care to our patients with the focus on dental hygiene and prevention, we have five Hygienists and three Preventive Assistants working in our practice.