Hygiene and Oral Therapy

Healthy gums are one of the secrets to a great smile and keeping your teeth for life.

Cleans by your Dentist – Every 6 Months

You can help to look after your gums at home by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing or using interdental brushes to clean the surfaces between your teeth once a day.

Regular six monthly cleans by your dentist or dental hygienist are also essential to maintaining optimum gum health. Build-up of calculus or tartar left untreated can lead to inflammation and bleeding gums and can be an early sign of gum disease.
During your teeth cleaning appointment the dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and calculus from your teeth, both above and below the gum. Your teeth will be polished and a fluoride treatment may also be recommended.

Take Home Tips

At the completion of your dental clean, an individual oral hygiene regime will be tailored specifically to your oral hygiene needs. This will involve revising tooth brushing technique and helping with the use of interdental aids including flossing and interdental brushes.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which plays a critical role in strengthening your teeth, enabling them to fight off the effects of decay. While fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in nature, the level of fluoride found in the environment is not sufficient on it’s own to protect your teeth which is why small supplemental amounts are added to the water supply as well as into toothpaste.

Dental Hygienist

Your Oral health therapist (both a dental hygienist and therapist) is a professional member of the dental team who is specially qualified to provide both dental treatment and education to patients.
An oral health therapist specialises in preventative care. While much of their time is spent cleaning teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay, just as much time is spent on oral health education. An oral health therapist is a university trained dental professional with dual qualification in both dental hygiene and dental therapy.

Gum Disease

As many as one in four Australians suffer from bleeding gums. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, is a common cause of bleeding gums and should not be ignored.
Signs of gum disease include inflamed gums that are red, swollen and often shiny in appearance. Gums which bleed easily, especially when brushed or flossed. Other signs can include persistent bad breath and or a bad taste in the mouth, spaces beginning to appear between the teeth, one or more teeth becoming mobile, soreness and receding gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy interdental aids, such as floss picks and interdental brushes?

We have a large range of interdental aids available to purchase at reception here at Jones Dental. Many of our patients pop in between regular check-ups to stock up on Piksters or Floss Picks. We can also order in special products recommended by your dentist or oral health therapist.

If you are unable to pop in, a number of interdental products are available at some pharmacies and supermarkets.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Signs of gum disease include inflamed gums that are red and swollen. Gums which bleed easily, especially when brushed or floss. Smokers gums are less likely to bleed sometimes masking gum disease.
Other signs can include persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, increased spaces beginning to appear between the teeth, mobility of teeth, soreness and receding gums.

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WOLLONGONG

60 Crown St, Wollongong

02 4228 6611

UNANDERRA

27 Central Rd Unanderra

02 4271 1468

OAK FLATS

90 Central Ave, Oak Flats

02 4256 1087