A bright, healthy smile isn’t just about brushing twice a day—it’s about professional dental care, too. Imagine feeling confident every time you smile, knowing your teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. At the same time, regular visits to your dental hygienist also help reduce the risk of related health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Regular dental hygiene appointments are key to maintaining oral health and catching potential issues before they become a bigger issue. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during a dental hygiene appointment at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery and why it’s so important for your overall health and wellbeing.
Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference?
We often hear about plaque and tartar when discussing oral hygiene, but what exactly are they? Understanding the difference is important to knowing why professional dental cleanings are so important.
Plaque is that gunky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When it’s not removed through correct brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, also known as calculus. Unlike plaque, tartar can’t be easily removed with your toothbrush – it requires professional tools. Removing both plaque and tartar is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy over time.
Why Professional Cleanings Are So Important
Even with the best brushing and flossing routine, some areas of your mouth are difficult to clean thoroughly at home. Professional cleanings remove tartar, which can only be eliminated by a dental professional. Without regular removal, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other health conditions. By keeping up with regular hygiene appointments, you can significantly reduce the risk of these issues and maintain a healthier smile.
What Happens During a Dental Hygiene Appointment
During a dental Airflow hygiene appointment, you can expect a comprehensive cleaning process designed to remove plaque, tartar, and other harmful substances that regular brushing can’t tackle. Here, we outline the key steps involved to ensure your teeth stay healthy and bright.
What to Expect During Your Airflow Dental Hygiene Visit
- Initial Assessment: Your dental hygienist will start by assessing your oral health, checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, or any other concerns. This evaluation helps determine the areas that need more attention.
- Biofilm Removal: The Airflow GBT protocol is used during all of your dental hygiene appointments to ensure a thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and biofilm from both above and below the gumline. This advanced treatment effectively cleans those hard-to-reach spots, leaving your teeth exceptionally clean and healthier. Learn more about Airflow treatment below. The use of the airflow powder also polishes the teeth and removes surface stains. This not only makes your smile look brighter but also helps prevent plaque from easily sticking to your teeth in the future.
- Scaling: Any solid deposits of tartar or calculus are removed using ultrasonic devices. This helps remove the plaque attracting factors in your mouth.
- Treatment: To finish up, your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any leftover particles and may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and protect against decay.
Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in London, we use Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy which is an advanced dental hygiene treatment that uses a combination of warm water, air, and antibacterial powder to provide an intensive cleaning experience for your teeth and gums. This innovative treatment effectively removes stubborn stains caused by substances like tea, coffee, and red wine, as well as harmful bacteria that can lead to issues such as decay, gum disease, and tooth loss when left untreated.
How Airflow GBT Helps Reduce Health Risks by Targeting Biofilm
Airflow forms part of the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) system developed by EMS, specifically designed to tackle biofilm – an invisible layer of bacteria responsible for dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. By eliminating biofilm, GBT helps protect your teeth and gums while also contributing to your overall health. Biofilm has been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers.
Benefits of Airflow and GBT
There are numerous benefits to having Airflow GBT treatment at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery. These include:
- Your teeth will look visibly cleaner and brighter as stubborn stains are removed.
- Harmful plaque and calculus are effectively removed, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Your breath will feel fresh and clean.
- The treatment thoroughly cleans your mouth and gums, reducing bacteria and decreasing the chances of developing halitosis and gum disease.
- Airflow is gentle yet powerful, making it suitable for both adults and children, especially those with sensitive teeth.
- A meticulous clean boosts your oral health, benefiting your overall general health.
Learn more about Airflow GBT treatment.
Dental Hygiene FAQs
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional.
How often should I visit a dental hygienist?
We generally recommend visiting a dental hygienist every six months, although your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your individual oral health needs.
Can a dental hygienist remove stains from my teeth?
Yes, dental hygienists can remove many surface stains during the polishing process, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter. Airflow GBT is especially effective in removing unwanted stains which is a method we use at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in Greenwich and Battersea, London.
Is a dental hygiene appointment painful?
Most people find dental hygiene appointments comfortable. Your experienced hygienist will make sure you’re at ease throughout the entire process.
Why is professional tartar removal important?
Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home. It requires special tools that only dental professionals have access to. Leaving tartar untreated can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and other potential health conditions.
How can I keep my teeth healthy and prevent a build-up of biofilm, plaque and tartar?
- Brush your teeth at least twice each day.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth out once a day with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Eat a balanced diet avoiding too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks which can cause tooth decay and erode enamel.
- Visit your dental hygienist at least twice a year for a deep clean and check-up.
Final Thoughts
Good oral hygiene is about more than just what you do at home – it’s about ensuring your teeth are professionally cared for as well. Regular cleanings help keep your smile healthy and prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems.
Book your dental hygiene appointment at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery today, and let our expert team of hygienists help you keep your smile looking and feeling its best.