Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Our hygienist will clean and remove stains and plaque as well as showing you how to maintain healthy teeth and gums in your own home.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria which produces acid. If this plaque is not cleaned off every day it becomes hard. This is called calculus.

Once plaque becomes hard it is very difficult to keep your teeth clean at home. Our hygienist will remove calculus from your teeth so you can clean your teeth effectively at home.

When plaque and calculus are not removed effectively it sticks to the teeth and gums leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

What is tooth decay?

Plaque produces acid which softens the teeth. When plaque is not brushed way every day the teeth become softer and softer until eventually a hole forms. This is tooth decay.

What is gum disease?

When plaque is not brushed away from the gums the gums begin to swell. They can become red and sore and may bleed when you brush them. If left the gum disease can start to affect the bones underneath. Once the bones are affected this is called periodontal disease.

Severe periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth which may fall out.

For more information please call us here at London Dental Smiles and speak to a member of the team.