Oral hygiene is one of the most important daily routines -

Do you treat it seriously?  

With constant new technology within the dental industry, most of our teeth and gum problems can be rectified. However, nowadays, preventive dentistry is the philosophy of most dental practices across Australia. Preventive dentistry is maintaining your oral health instead of treating the problem when it occurs. 

Keeping your mouth healthy will stabilise bacteria levels that can cause decay and gum disease. Regular visits to your dentist, brushing and flossing of your teeth will keep your mouth healthy and help prevent problems such as gingivitis (gum disease). 

To maintain good oral health, follow the brushing and flossing techniques below. The angle of the brush, the movement over the teeth and the regularity of this activity all contribute to keeping your smile brighter and your teeth and gums healthy.

The most common disease in the human adult population is Periodontal disease also known as gum disease or pyorrhea.

The periodontium is the foundation of your teeth. Like the foundations of a house, if this foundation is undermined, then the teeth will move, collapse or simply become loose, infected and require extraction. Periodontal health is paramount because if it is not maintained nothing else that you do will be of any benefit.

Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but are always a result of the interaction of your body reaction to a bacterial attack. Every body will react differently to the same bacteria. There is a very strong genetic link that determines the amount of destruction that occurs.

Surveys have concluded that approximately 80% of the population has some form of disease with approximately 25% having extensive disease.

Periodontitis is responsible for:

- Loss of attachment to the tooth leading to loose teeth
- Bad odour in the mouth
- Recession of the gums leading to ugly “long in the tooth” look
- Frequent bleeding of the gums
- Gum abscesses and pain

Periodontitis is also working to:

- Increase the chance of heart attacks
- Increase the chance of strokes
- Increase the chance of diabetes or making diabetes uncontrollable
- Increase in gastro intestinal problems
- Increase in low birth weight babies

Of course prevention is the best form of treatment, what you do at home will ultimately be reflected in your periodontal tissues.