Why is Dental Hygiene Important?
Discover why dental hygiene is important and what good dental hygiene actually does for your mouth. From confidence to long-term health, the benefits reach far beyond a clean smile.
Oral health problems can cause discomfort, affect day-to-day life and have a real impact on your confidence. Research showed that 47% of UK adults experienced at least one oral health issue within a year, with many reporting pain, self-consciousness and difficulty eating as a result.
The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented or significantly reduced with proper dental hygiene. Understanding why dental hygiene is important and what effective dental hygiene does for your mouth is the first step towards keeping your teeth and gums healthy for the long term.
Let’s explore the importance of dental hygiene.
What Does Dental Hygiene Do?
Dental hygiene done right is preventative. It enables you to maintain teeth that look and work as they should, avoiding issues before they crop up (or, at the very least, before they worsen).
To preserve your dental hygiene, you should visit an expert hygienist every six months or so. This may need to be adjusted depending on your specific needs. Your dental hygienist will:
- Treat localised flare-ups
- Look for new or recurring areas of decay or disease in your mouth
- Check, measure and record disease levels (to keep track of going forward)
- Remove bacteria that’s gotten under your gum line
- Take preventative measures to lessen the likelihood of gum disease
- Apply antibacterial agents as needed
- Provide advice and interdental demonstration as needed
A staggering 66% of Brits aged 18 and above have visible plaque on their teeth. If you fall into this group and need some oral TLC, a hygienist can help with any of the following methods:
- Deep cleaning procedures like PMPR (Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal)
- Removal of plaque and calculus (usually referred to as a ‘scale and polish’)
- Fluoride treatments with gel or varnish to strengthen tooth enamel
- AIR-FLOW cleaning (often used to whiten and clean alongside a scale and polish)
- Dental sealants to keep food out of teeth with deep grooves that could trap bacteria, causing cavities
Illume Dental’s skilled team of hygienists is experienced, patient-focused, and committed to providing appropriate, bespoke care. Every patient is an individual, and we respect that deeply.
We offer a range of price-scaled services and make 0% finance payment plans available via Tabeo for those concerned about the costs of care. (It takes minutes to apply, and you’ll receive a decision instantly, enabling you to spread the cost of your treatments without jumping through a million hoops.)
Maintenance hygiene treatment standard fees start from £135 but are included in an Illume Dental Membership at no additional cost.
Full-mouth disinfection therapy starts at £677, or a discounted £610 for Illume Members.
Why is Dental Hygiene Important?
Dental hygiene is incredibly important for several reasons. Over the years, poor oral health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infection. It also increases the rate at which a person experiences dental issues, with tooth decay and gum disease potentially impacting a person’s ability to eat, speak, sleep and feel confident talking and smiling.
Good dental hygiene:
- Removes bacteria, plaque and tartar from tough-to-access spots in your mouth
- Reduces your risk of suffering from gum disease
- Reduces your risk of experiencing tooth decay
- Removes staining and reduces the chance of future staining
- Improves your confidence and mental health
- Avoids expensive, complex dental treatments later down the line
On the other hand, bad dental hygiene can cause:
- Red or swollen gums
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding after brushing
- Loose teeth
- Denture issues
- Dry mouth
- Sores and ulcers
- Undiagnosed (and possibly painful) red and white patches
Understanding the Importance of Dental Hygiene
It’s easy to overlook dental maintenance when your mouth and teeth aren’t actively causing you any problems, but as this article has evidenced, the maintenance is precisely what prevents those problems. Small, regular actions and appointments prevent larger, more expensive interventions.
Between your appointments with an experienced and qualified dental hygienist, it’s vital to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid rinsing your mouth out, eating or drinking within 30 minutes of brushing your teeth
- Floss once a day
- Limit your intake of high-sugar snacks and drinks
- Stay well-hydrated to promote the production of new saliva and avoid a dry mouth
That way, between your own maintenance and the oversight of a professional, you’ll be able to ensure the ongoing quality of your oral health.
Book Yourself in to See a Dental Hygienist
If you’re due for an appointment and looking for the best possible care at affordable prices, contact Illume Dental in Cheltenham today.
We’d be delighted to help you smile brighter and feel lighter.
